Living and working in Thailand
Thailand is very famous for their delicious cuisine, stunning nature, islands with beautiful water, and very friendly residents. But what else? And what can your life look like if you decide on moving to Thailand?
Here we aim to give you a deeper understanding of the tropical country.
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Currency
The currency in Thailand is Thai Baht (ISO code: THB, symbol ฿)
Famous people
Some notable Thai people are Mario Maurer, Buakaw Banchamek and Tatchakorn Yeerum
Population
Thailand has a population of around 71.6 million people, mainly in Bangkok
Typical food
Pad Thai (noodle stir fry), Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), Tom Kha Gai (chicken coconut soup), sticky rice with mango (sweet)
Avg. working week
Thailand has a 40 hour work week, 8 hours daily spread over 5 days a week
Location
Thailand is in southeast Asia, and borders Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Andaman Sea and the Gulf. The capital city is Bangkok.
Languages
The official language is Thai, and they use their own alphabet: Thai script
Healthcare
Public healthcare varies in quality but private is good. It is self-paid.
What you need to know about working in Thailand
In Thailand, there are a number of traditions that differ from what we are used to in Europe – much has to do with respect, courtesy and general tact and tone. For example, there are strict laws when it comes to insulting His Majesty, and the royal family is very important in Thai everyday life and self-understanding. When you enter a Buddhist temple, for all intents and purposes, you must leave your shoes outside – and in many other places, footwear is not appreciated.
Thai people prefer to avoid confrontations and do not raise their voice, and if you need to point out a mistake or something you are not happy with, it should be done with great care and courtesy. If you make an effort to adhere to the cultural codes, you will find that the Thais are incredibly friendly, polite and accommodating people.
The business culture in Thailand is relatively formal and can be difficult to navigate at first. However, the locals are aware of this, and if only they can see that you have familiarised yourself with the culture and are trying to live it, it will be much appreciated.
Taxes in Thailand
It’s important that you know how taxes work for expats in Thailand if you’re planning to work there for a while. The first thing you need to know is that you become a resident of Thailand after spending more than 180 days there. Before this you will have to pay only for the income earned in Thailand, but once you’re a resident you must pay for your worldwide income. The tax rate is progressive and goes from 0% to 35% depending on your income. Regarding the social security system the employee contributes 5% of the first 15.000 baht of income while the employer contributes another 5%.
What you need to fix when you start working in Thailand
- Visa & Work permit; you’ll usually enter with a Non-Immigrant B visa, and you can’t legally work without a work permit
- Register your address; your residence must be reported to immigration
- Tax ID; you’ll receive a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Revenue Department
- Health insurance; not always mandatory by law, but strongly recommended
- Open a local bank account; needed for salary payments
- Get a local SIM card
Popular cities in Thailand
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Life in Thailand
Living in Thailand is an incredible experience with amazing nature and warm hospitality. There are big markets, temples, and the most delicious and aromatic street food, especially in Bangkok. Thailand is also known as the Land of Smiles, and it is famous for its paradisiacal islands with turquoise waters and amazing rock formations and shores. Thai people have a relaxed “mai pen rai” (no worries) attitude that shows in their daily life. Remember to visit Chiang Mai where you can explore lush mountains and ancient temples.Thailand has stunning landscapes and a harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity, creating a lifestyle that will steal your heart.
Thai cuisine
The Thai climate makes it Asia’s largest exporter of tropical fruits such as oranges, bananas, coconuts, lychees and mangos. It’s easy to fall in love with the many delicious fruits that just taste a little better in Thailand. Thai cuisine offers a great blend of flavours. The traditional Thai dishes often consist of many different spices which provide complex and intense flavours, and it is no wonder that Thai food is popular all around the world. Traditional dishes are pad thai (wok with rice noodles), tom yum goong (soup with shrimp) and khao pad (fried rice).
Finding accommodation in Thailand
You can search for housing on various online housing portals. Facebook groups are an interesting alternative. Expect this for the average monthly rental costs in Thailand:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €600-€750
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €300-€400
- Room in a shared apartment: €150-€300
How expensive is living in Thailand?
Thailand is a really cheap country, especially if you compare it to European standards. We list the most common expat costs when you start your life in Thailand:
- Groceries: €130-€300 a month
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €2-€5
- Coffee in a café: €1,50-€4
- 0.5L Beer in a bar: €2-€4
- Gym membership: €25-€60 a month
- Cinema ticket: €5-€8
Still not convinced about Thailand?
Living in Thailand means enjoying a relaxed lifestyle with balance and spirituality:
- Take part in Thai festivals like Songkran (Water Festival) or Loy Krathong (Floating Lantern Festival) and experience the rich cultural heritage of the country.
- Thailand is also known to be a popular destination for digital nomads due to its affordability, vibrant culture, and welcoming environment.
- Many cities in Thailand, such as Chiang Mai and Bangkok, have developed a thriving digital nomad community with co-working spaces, cafes, and networking opportunities specifically catering to remote workers.
- The country offers a good quality of life with a variety of accommodation options, reliable internet infrastructure, and a range of amenities and attractions to explore during leisure time.
- Additionally, Thailand has visa options that allow digital nomads to stay for an extended period, such as the Thailand Elite Visa or the Non-Immigrant Visa (Category “O-A”).
FAQ
Yes all foreigners have to apply for a work permit to work in Thailand. You can read all about it here.
Thailand has a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity. The country experiences three seasons: hot, cool, and rainy. The hot season lasts from March to June, with temperatures often soaring above 30 degrees Celsius. The cool season, from November to February, brings milder temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The rainy season, from July to October, sees frequent showers and occasional storms.
The tax rates and thresholds may vary based on your income level and residency status. It’s important to consult with a tax professional or seek advice from the relevant Thai authorities to understand your specific tax obligations as a digital nomad in Thailand, as tax laws and regulations can change over time.
Thailand offers a range of public transport options to navigate its bustling cities and scenic landscapes. In urban areas like Bangkok, you’ll find an extensive network of skytrains, subway systems, and buses, providing convenient and efficient transportation. Tuk-tuks and taxis are also popular modes of transport for shorter distances. For longer journeys, trains and intercity buses connect major cities and tourist destinations. Fun fact: Thailand’s iconic long-tail boats are a unique way to explore coastal areas and rivers.
Thailand has a mixed healthcare system that includes both public and private providers. The country has made significant progress in developing its healthcare infrastructure and services, particularly in urban areas. Public healthcare facilities, operated by the Ministry of Public Health, provide affordable healthcare services to Thai citizens and legal residents. Private hospitals and clinics, on the other hand, offer higher quality and more specialized care, often preferred by expatriates and tourists. Bangkok is known for having some of the best private hospitals in the country. It’s recommended to have comprehensive health insurance coverage when staying in Thailand to ensure access to quality healthcare and to cover any unexpected medical expenses.
If you’re planning to stay longer in Thailand and make a living in this country, we recommend you to learn the language. However, this can be difficult without the right tools and there are some courses you should avoid. HERE you can see a selection of Thai courses to start learning. Alternatively you can use apps for your phone, like Duolingo.