Discover Thailand

It can be difficult to buy property in Thailand, so renting is not uncommon. There’s a diverse range of property available to rent in Thailand, from studio apartments to serviced condominiums.

Expats living in Bangkok may choose serviced apartments in the city’s business district, while families may prefer a suburban townhouse near an international school. Do some research before you arrive to find the right type of accommodation for your needs.

Most Thai properties are let furnished, so ask for an inventory before you move in. While you’re renting, you’ll have to pay for your phone line, water and electricity separately.

Letting agents and landlords in Thailand expect a deposit of two to three months’ rent.

Thailand is a relatively affordable country to live in. Accommodation will most likely be your biggest expense, but even this is considered lower than many other expat hotspots. Food costs are also reasonably priced – whether you’re picking up groceries in the shop or dining out at restaurants. Clothing and transport costs are also low.

Public schools in Thailand offer 12 years of basic education, with 9 years being mandatory. Most expats in Thailand send their children to an international school. Fees can be high and pupils often have to study the Thai language and culture as part of the curriculum. 

Fee-paying independent schools are greatly valued in Thailand, with many being run by charitable organisations and the Catholic Church.

Home-schooling is legal in Thailand, but you’ll have to apply to the government if you want to home-school your children.

A lot of expats opt for private medical care when moving to Thailand – general care for private patients is good and affordable, although emergency and special procedures can be pricey.

Hospitals require guarantee of payment before treating patients, so make sure you have adequate health insurance. If you’re working in Thailand, check if healthcare is included in your employment package.

Make sure to have all the relevant vaccinations before you move and keep them up to date.

There are many pharmacies across Thailand, especially in Bangkok and smaller cities and towns. You can identify a pharmacy by its white sign emblazoned with a green cross.

In case of emergencies, call the tourist police or the ambulance service at your nearest private hospital. If you have private medical insurance, you should be given an emergency contact number when you sign up.

Thailand’s bus and coach services are a popular form of public transport. You can buy tickets online, or at the bus station.

Taxi services can be used to get around, particularly in Bangkok. Metered taxi cabs are brightly coloured and show a red light if they’re available. Motorcycle taxis can also be good for short distances. Three-wheeled tuk-tuks can carry a few passengers, and you may need to haggle a price with the driver before you get in.

If you’re not in a hurry, travelling by train can be a comfortable way to get around. There’s 4 main distance lines which connect the country. Depending on the line and type of journey, you can choose to travel first-class, second-class, or third-class.

Thailand has numerous domestic airlines which can be used to get around, and having your own car is also great if you’re wanting to get out and explore the more urban areas.