Whether you’re planning a short visit or considering a long-term stay, understanding the practicalities of daily life is key to making the most of your experience in Thailand.
On this page, we will cover everything you need to know from picking the right visa to enter the country to managing your finances in a foreign country to the local etiquette that will help you avoid any unnecessary conflicts and travel complications.
Entering Thailand
Thailand offers several options for entering the country, some of which depend on your nationality and purpose of stay. Failure to secure the proper entry credentials could see you turned away at the border.
Short-Term Stays
If you are visiting Thailand as a tourist, you may be eligible for the Thailand Visa Exemption Scheme. This will allow you to stay in the country for up to 60 days (and is extendable for an additional 30 days) without needing to apply for a visa.
On the other hand, if you do not qualify for that program but plan to stay for a shorter period of time, you may be eligible for the Thailand Visa on Arrival, which grants you a stay of up to 15 days in Thailand.
However, if you are not eligible for either of the programs mentioned above, you will need to apply for a Thailand Tourist Visa. This will grant you a stay of up to 60 days in Thailand, with the option to extend for an additional 30 days at the nearest local immigration office.
Long-Term Stays
If you are looking to settle down in Thailand long-term, below is a list of the visas you can pick from to do so:
- Thailand Marriage Visa: The Thailand Marriage Visa was designed for foreigners who are legally married to a Thai citizen and want to live in the country. It also grants the holder the ability to work in Thailand, so long as they apply for and obtain a Thai Work Permit.
- Thailand Retirement Visa: The Thailand Retirement Visa, also known as the Non-Immigrant OA Visa, is a popular choice among expats planning to retire in Thailand. However, applicants must be at least 50 years old and fulfill several other requirements, such as proof of financial security and health insurance.
- Thailand Business Visa: The Thailand Business Visa, also known as the Non-Immigrant B Visa, was designed for foreigners who are seeking employment opportunities or are looking to establish a business of their own in Thailand.
- Destination Thailand Visa: The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV Visa Thailand), also informally known as the “digital nomad visa,” was designed for remote workers and freelancers who can work from anywhere, as well as those participating in Thai cultural activities long-term. It offers a 5-year residency in Thailand with multiple entries and permits that grant stays of up to 180 days per entry, with the option to extend.
- Long-Term Resident Visa: The Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa Thailand) is for retirees, professionals, and digital nomads looking for long-term stability in Thailand. It offers a 10-year visa with perks that include reduced tax rates, access to fast-track immigration services, and easier-to-obtain Thai Work Permits for certain categories.
- Thailand Elite Visa: The Thailand Elite Visa is a type of long-term tourist visa that offers a convenient and rewarding way to settle down in Thailand. It is available through a variety of membership packages, with each providing stays ranging from 5 to 20 years, making it an attractive choice for those seeking extended residency. Thailand Elite Visa holders are also granted access to a long and diverse list of free perks and benefits, which includes priority immigration processing at international airports in Thailand, spa treatments, wellness services, and special gifts and discounts, among many others.
Travel and Health Insurance
While not mandatory for most visitors, travel insurance is highly recommended, as it can protect you from unexpected medical expenses, travel delays, or lost belongings that could disrupt your plans in the country.
If you’re planning on staying long-term, you may need to obtain health insurance in Thailand to meet the eligibility requirements of certain visas, such as the Thailand Retirement Visa.
Healthcare System
Healthcare in Thailand is generally affordable for outpatient treatments and minor illnesses. However, hospitalization costs can be significantly higher, especially in private hospitals that offer modern facilities and English-speaking staff. Public hospitals provide a budget-friendly alternative, though they may come with longer wait times, fewer amenities, and potential language barriers.
Timezone
Thailand operates on GMT+7 and does not observe daylight saving time, which means that the clock remains consistent throughout the year. Upon arrival in Thailand, do not forget to adjust your watches, smartphones, and other devices to stay synchronized with the local schedules.
Local Currency
The local currency in Thailand is the baht (THB). Below is a brief overview of the different forms of the local currency:
- Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 THB, with higher-value notes being larger in size.
- Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 THB.
- Satangs, which are coins that are fractions of a single THB, come in denominations of 25 and 50 satang.
However, due to inflation, satangs are rarely used in everyday transactions, but you’ll find them occasionally in convenience store pricing as well as specific types of bus fares.
You can get by with most major credit cards in Thailand, as they are widely accepted. However, it’s a good idea to always have some cash on hand to pay for things like taxis or street vendors which may not accept electronic payment (at least not foreign forms).
There are many currency exchangers in Thailand, especially in urban areas. However, beware of exchangers in tourist hotspots outside of Bangkok. Because of the high demand in these remote areas, exchange rates will be worse.
Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund
Thailand charges 7% VAT on a wide range of goods and services, but there is also a refund for tourists on eligible purchases, which will help you save money especially if you plan on shopping during your stay in Thailand. However, to claim this refund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must not be a Thai national
- Must not currently be domiciled in Thailand
- Must be leaving Thailand on a flight from a Thai International Airport
- Must be leaving Thailand with the good(s) you’ve purchased within 60 days from the date of purchase
- Must have purchased the good(s) and spent a minimum of 2,000 THB at stores affixed with the “VAT Refund for Tourists” label
- Must have completed a VAT Refund Application for Tourists Form
There are VAT refund desks throughout Bangkok, and in the international airports, so give yourself some extra time before your flight to get your refund, and keep all receipts for goods and services that charged VAT.
Income Taxation
Tax obligations in Thailand depend on factors such as your residency status, income sources, and recent changes to foreign income regulations. Short-term visitors don’t need to worry about this, but if you spend a lot of time in Thailand, you may be liable for income tax if either of these apply to you:
- Tax Resident Rule: A foreigner is considered a tax resident in Thailand if they spend 180 days or more in the country during a calendar year. Tax residents must file a tax return on income earned within Thailand and any foreign income brought into the country within the same tax year (which is the same as a calendar year).
- New Foreign Income Rule: Under updated regulations, all foreign income earned after 2023 and brought into Thailand is now taxable. This means that if income is earned overseas in 2024 and brought into Thailand in 2025, it will still be subject to Thai income tax. Previously, foreigners could avoid taxation by waiting until the following tax year to transfer income into Thailand, but this loophole has been closed. Any income earned in 2024 or later will be taxed as soon as it is brought into Thailand, regardless of when that occurs.
Opening a Thai Bank Account
Opening a Thai bank account will provide you with several benefits that will simplify the complications of financial transactions on a day-to-day basis.
One of the disadvantages of using an overseas bank account is that you may incur additional fees for transferring or withdrawing money, or for using foreign credit cards in Thailand. Alongside this, you run the risk of having the bank freeze your card if they suspect unusual activity, which could put you in a difficult situation while abroad.
Having a Thai bank account enables you to use mobile banking apps, which are widely used in Thailand. These apps enable you to pay bills, transfer money, and manage your finances on the go. Most transactions can simply be done with your phone via QR codes with no fees, making it far more convenient than relying on international banks. As mobile banking apps are an integral part of daily life in Thailand, not having one could limit your ability to complete certain transactions.
Depending on the long-term visa you choose to apply for, you may also need to have a Thai bank account to meet certain eligibility requirements.
Buying Property in Thailand
Foreigners are able to buy property in Thailand, but only certain kinds. When it comes to condominiums, you can legally own one in your name, but ownership is limited to 49% of the total usable area of the development, while the remaining 51% must be owned by Thai nationals. So you can own multiple units in a building, but you cannot own more than half of a condo development.
For other types of property, such as land and houses, you can secure a 30-year long-term lease agreement, which is renewable and provides a practical way to achieve de facto control over the property. It’s also possible to buy structures built on land owned by Thai nationals.
Thailand Etiquette
Culture and respect are central to daily life in Thailand. Whether you’re visiting temples, dining with locals, or exploring the country, understanding Thai customs can enhance your interactions and help you avoid unintentional misunderstandings.
Dos in Thailand
- Show Respect For the Thai Royal Family: The monarchy is deeply revered in Thailand. Refrain from making jokes or negative comments about the royal family, as they can lead to severe consequences such as fines or even imprisonment. Public expressions of respect, such as standing during the national anthem, are customary.
- Dress Modestly at Temples: Temples are sacred spaces, so both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing revealing or overly casual attire such as tank tops or shorts. Many temples provide wraps or sarongs for visitors who may need them.
- Remove Your Shoes Before Entering Homes or Certain Buildings: This is a sign of respect and cleanliness. Look for signs or shoe racks near the entrance. Failure to remove your shoes can sometimes be interpreted as a sign of disrespect and carelessness, particularly in homes or religious spaces.
- Use The Wai Greeting: The wai is a polite gesture that involves pressing your palms together at chest level as though praying, and slightly bowing your head. It is customary to perform the wai towards someone older or in a position of respect. However, it’s not expected for you to wai children or service staff.
Don’ts in Thailand
- Touch Someone’s Head: The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture. Even patting a child’s head, which might seem friendly in some cultures, can be seen as disrespectful.
- Point Your Feet at Others or Sacred Objects: Feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Avoid sitting with your feet pointing toward people or Buddha statues. When seated, tuck your feet to the side or beneath you.
- Engage in Public Displays of Affection: While holding hands may be acceptable, kissing in public is generally frowned upon. Keep physical affection private to respect local norms.
- Raise Your Voice During Disagreements: Maintaining composure is highly valued in Thai culture, as speaking loudly or displaying anger can be seen as rude or lacking self-control by locals.
Tipping
Tipping in Thailand is not a mandatory custom but is appreciated as a gesture of gratitude. Leaving small change at restaurants or rounding up the taxi fare is a polite way of showing your appreciation for the service. While tipping is not expected, it can go a long way in recognizing good service and building positive interactions during your stay in Thailand.
Drinking Water
Avoid drinking tap water in Thailand, as it is considered unsafe and unsanitary due to concerns regarding old pipes, improper treatment, and possible sewage leaks. Instead, filtered or bottled water is recommended. Ice is generally safe if it is commercially produced, but it is important to exercise caution when buying crushed ice from street vendors.
Prostitution
Prostitution is a complex issue in Thailand. Although it is widely visible in certain areas, particularly in tourist hotspots such as Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, prostitution remains illegal under Thai law.
Engaging in or soliciting these activities can lead to fines, legal repercussions, and potential imprisonment. Thai authorities also occasionally conduct raids to enforce the law, especially in areas known for commercial sex work.
With that being said, a draft bill was proposed in March 2023 to make prostitution legal in Thailand, but it has yet to pass into law. As such, the industry continues to be a notorious and risky part of Thailand.
Start Living in Thailand with Siam Legal
If you’re looking to visit short-term, travel extensively, or even settle down in Thailand long-term, get in touch with Siam Legal International. We are a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience in helping both local and foreign clients resolve their immigration and legal needs in Thailand. Our services include:
- Thai visa services
- Foreign visa services
- Bank account opening services
- Contract review and assistance with buying property in Thailand
- Legalization and notarization services
- Criminal defense and civil suit representation
For a smooth and stress-free transition to the start of your travels in Thailand, do not hesitate to contact Siam Legal to book a consultation now!
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Thailand
Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?
Most visitors will need to apply for the Thailand Tourist Visa if they are planning to enter Thailand for tourism purposes unless they qualify for the Visa Exemption Scheme or Visa on Arrival. However, if you plan to settle down in Thailand or live in the country for an extended period, then you would need to acquire a long-term visa.
What is the time zone in Thailand?
Thailand operates on GMT+7 and does not observe daylight saving time, so be sure to adjust your devices to match the local time when you arrive in Thailand.
How can tourists claim a VAT refund in Thailand?
Tourists can claim a 7% VAT refund for purchases made at qualifying stores by submitting the VAT Refund Application for Tourists Form at a Thai VAT refund counter (found at international airports), along with their passport and receipts for goods purchased.
Is tipping expected in Thailand?
Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand but is appreciated. Leaving small change in restaurants or rounding up taxi fares is a polite gesture for good service.
Can I drink tap water in Thailand?
Tap water in Thailand is not safe to drink due to concerns regarding old pipes, improper treatment, and possible sewage leaks. Instead, it is recommended to drink treated or bottled water. Most places you go will have a water dispenser or bottles available.
Is cannabis legal in Thailand?
Cannabis flower is legal for medicinal and recreational purposes, and products with less than 0.2% THC are decriminalized. However, public consumption is prohibited and can lead to fines of up to 25,000 THB if caught.
Can I open a bank account in Thailand as a foreigner?
Yes, foreigners can open a bank account in Thailand. A local account reduces international transaction fees, simplifies financial management, and is sometimes required for long-term visas. However, your visa may make it more difficult, so it is recommended that you make use of a bank account opening service to ensure success.
