Have you decided to move to Thailand?

Whether you’re planning a short-term stay, a family relocation, or a business expansion, here’s what you should know before you go.

General Overview

• Official country name: Kingdom of Thailand
• Location: Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Gulf of Thailand, and Andaman Sea
• Capital city: Bangkok
• Official language: Thai
• Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
• Time zone: UTC+7

Culture & Traditions

• Key customs:
  • Respect for the monarchy and Buddhism is central to Thai culture.
  • Traditional greeting:
    the wai (palms pressed together, slight bow).
  • Shoes are removed before entering homes and temples.

• Public holidays (main ones):
  • April 13–15 – Songkran (Thai New Year)
  • December 5 – King’s Birthday / Father’s Day
  • December 10 – Constitution Day
  • May – Visakha Bucha (Buddha’s Birthday, date varies)
  • August 12 – Queen Mother’s Birthday / Mother’s Day

👉 See The Full 25 Holidays and days off for Thailand

• Main dishes and drinks:
  Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), Tom Yum soup, Thai curry, mango sticky rice.
• Popular drinks :
  include Thai iced tea and fresh coconut water.
• Languages spoken daily: Thai (official); English widely spoken in cities and tourist areas.
• 3 common phrases:
  • Sawasdee (Hello)
  • Khop Khun (Thank you)
  • Tao Rai? (How much?)
• Clothing & behavioral norms:
  • Dress modestly in temples (shoulders and knees covered).
  • Avoid public displays of anger or loud disputes.

Demographics & Society

• Total population:
  About 70 million people
• Major ethnic groups:
  Thai majority, with Lao, Chinese, Malay, and hill tribe minorities.
• Main religions:
  Predominantly Theravada Buddhism; Islam in the South; Christianity and others in smaller numbers.
• General safety level:
  Safe for expats and tourists; petty theft can occur in busy areas.
• Attitude towards foreigners:
  Generally welcoming and friendly; English helps integration in cities.

Key Ciies & Regions

• Capital city:
  • Bangkok (10+ million people) – Business hub, diverse nightlife, temples, and modern shopping.
• Major cities:
  • Chiang Mai – Cultural hub, temples, mountain lifestyle.
  • Phuket – Island known for beaches, tourism, and expat communities.
  • Pattaya – Coastal city with resorts and business opportunities.
  • Hua Hin – Popular seaside retreat, family-friendly.
  • Khon Kaen – Growing business hub in the northeast.
  • Chiang Rai – Gateway to the Golden Triangle region.
• Must-visit regions:
  • Northern Thailand (mountains, temples, trekking).
  • Southern islands (Samui, Krabi, Phi Phi for beaches).
  • Isaan (authentic Thai culture, traditional food).

Weather & Climate

• Type of climate: Tropical (hot and humid).
• Average seasonal temperatures:
  • Hot season: 28–38°C (March–June)
  • Rainy season: 25–33°C (July–October)
  • Cool season: 20–30°C (November–February)
• Best times to visit:
  November to February (cool and dry).

Schooling

• System:
  Public, private, and international schools available.
• Age and degree: Compulsory from 6 to 15 years.
• International schools: English, French, Japanese, and bilingual options mainly in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
• Cost: Public schools are inexpensive; international schools range widely in cost.
• Advice: Families should research schools early.
  👉 See School Search Service in Thailand

Health & Care

• System type:
  Mixed (public + private).
• Structures:
  Public hospitals, high-quality private hospitals, clinics.
• Cost:
  Affordable public care; private hospitals more expensive but high standard. Private insurance recommended.

Banking

• System:
  Modern, regulated by the Bank of Thailand.
• Payment:
  Cards widely accepted, mobile wallets (PromptPay) common, cash used in local markets.
• Transfers:
  International SWIFT and local apps.
• Access for foreigners:
  Non-residents can open accounts with passport, visa, and proof of address.

Pratical Information

• Entry requirements:
  Visa-free stays (30 days) for many nationalities; long-term visas for work, retirement, or business.
  👉 See Visa & Immigration services in Thailand
• Transportation:
  • BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok; buses, tuk-tuks, ride-hailing apps (Grab).
  • Trains connect major regions.
  • Domestic flights are frequent and affordable.
• Cost of living:
  • Housing:
    Affordable outside Bangkok; higher in central districts and expat hubs.
    👉 Ask for House Search services
  • Food:
    Street food is cheap; imported goods and restaurants are more expensive.
  • Transport:
    Public transport inexpensive; cars and fuel moderate.
• Electrical outlets:
  Type A, B, C; 220V / 50Hz.
• Emergency numbers:
  • 191 (Police)
  • 1669 (Ambulance/Medical)
  • 199 (Fire)

Visitor Tips

• Gestures & taboos:
  • Never touch someone’s head (considered sacred).
  • Avoid pointing your feet at people or religious objects.
  • Respect monks (women should not touch them).
• Regulations:
  • Alcohol sales restricted during certain holidays and hours.
  • Strict laws against drugs, even small amounts.

• Tips to integrate:
  • Learn basic Thai phrases.
  • Show respect for traditions and local etiquette.
  • Embrace Thai food culture and community life.

• Potential risks:
  • Road safety (traffic accidents common).
  • Occasional flooding during rainy season.