Thailand is a beautiful country that offers many of the same attractions as Western countries but at a fraction of the price. It’s also home to some of the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. If you’re thinking about moving to Thailand with your family or considering doing so in the near future, this guide will help you make an informed decision about what it’s like to live there and how to get started planning for such an important step in your life.
Visa and Work Permits
If you’re moving to Thailand with your family, one of the first things that needs to be settled is whether or not any of your family members will need a visa.
There are three main types of visas: tourist visas; non-immigrant B visas (for business), and non-immigrant F visas (for work). Each type has different requirements and restrictions depending on what sort of work or study they intend to do while living in Thailand.
People
The people of Thailand are some of the best in the world. They are very friendly and hospitable, always willing to help a stranger in need. Thai people are also polite and respectful, especially towards their elders.
Thai culture is based on family, so it’s not uncommon to see older generations living with their children or grandchildren as they age out of their own homes.
Cost of Living
When you consider the cost of living in Thailand, it’s easy to see why so many expats make the move. The average Thai salary is only about $10 per day, and food is cheap—you can get a delicious meal for about $1.50 USD or less on average. Housing costs are also far lower than in most Western countries; renting a small apartment will cost around $300/month while buying one could run as little as $100K for houses that would go for upwards of $300K back home.
Car Insurance
If you’re new to Thailand and have purchased a car, car insurance is a mandatory requirement for driving a car in Thailand. You must buy it before you can drive your vehicle on public roads, and it’s usually included with the registration fee. Car insurance can be bought from any licensed car insurance company in Thailand like Viriyah and there are several types available:
- Fixed term – this is the most common type of car insurance policy where you pay for coverage for a set period (usually 1-3 years). If you want to continue your coverage after that period expires, then you need to renew it again until you decide not to renew it anymore or cancel it altogether.
- Lifetime – this type covers all risks associated with owning and maintaining your vehicle during its lifetime (including theft).
Learn Thai Language
You’ll need to learn Thai, the official language of Thailand. Thai is a tonal language, meaning that the tone in which you speak can change the meaning of words. If you don’t speak Thai at all when you move here, it will be very difficult for your family and friends to understand what you’re saying!
You can learn how to read and write Thai through online courses or by hiring a tutor. But if possible, we would recommend living in Thailand for at least 6 months so that your ear gets used to hearing native speakers use different tones when speaking their own language.
Schools
There are many international schools in Thailand. Some are private and some are public, but they all follow an internationally recognized curriculum and offer a high standard of education.
The cost of private school is higher than that of public school, so you’ll need to compare these fees with your budget if you want the best for your children.
There are many different types of schools available: those that focus on language acquisition; those that teach English as a second language (ESL); those offering bilingual programs where children learn both Thai and English from kindergarten through high school graduation; even specialized institutions designed specifically for gifted children or those who have special needs such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Weather
Thailand has four distinct seasons, but it’s important to keep in mind that the temperatures and rainfall can vary widely from place to place. The rainy season generally runs from May through October and brings heavy rainstorms to much of the country. The dry season is generally November through April, although this varies by region; southern Thailand tends to be hot year-round while northern areas are cooler in the winter months.
Health Care System
Thailand’s healthcare system is considered one of the best in Asia. The country has a comprehensive network of private hospitals and clinics, as well as some public ones.
The cost of medical treatment in Thailand is affordable compared to countries like the United States or Australia. If you’re moving with children or elderly relatives who require regular check-ups or prescriptions, this can be a big bonus for your budget!
Conclusion
Thailand is a great place to live, but you have to do your research first. If you’re considering moving your family to Thailand, we hope this guide has given you some insight into what it’s like and what steps need to be taken before moving there. It can be an exciting adventure for everyone involved!
