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Everything You’ll Want To Know About Relocating To Thailand
Since the pandemic hit, Thailand has increasingly become a popular destination to relocate to for living while working abroad. Expats are relocating from Singapore, Hong Kong and Europe to Thailand as more and more companies are open to working remotely from another country. So what do you need to know about relocating to Thailand, and working remotely here in Thailand for a company abroad? Thailand tends to be one of the considered countries to relocate to for many reasons. Aside from the all-year-round sunny weather, you also get to enjoy delicious Thai food, and have convenient access to modern conveniences. Not to mention amazing cities to live in like Phuket, where you can find a balanced lifestyle between island life and city life. From soft-sandy beaches and clear blue sea to stunning waterfalls and a relaxed lifestyle, what’s not to like?With all the above mentioned, relocating to Thailand seems to be a fantastic choice.
So what are the things you would need to look into and consider before relocating to Phuket? Some of these are:
- Which city do you want to relocate to in Thailand?
- What type of visa should or could you get for working remotely in Thailand for a company abroad?
- Should you rent a house or buy a property in Phuket?
So let jump right in and if you have any questions along the way please do drop us a message on Facebook.
Which city do you want to relocate to in Thailand?
Thailand is filled with so many beautiful cities, but when it comes to relocating to Thailand the most popular cities expats tends to look into are these 3.
BANGKOK
Bangkok is a population for expats to live in in Thailand especially for those who prefer a stable economy and the relative ease of doing business. Plus, it has an affordable cost of living. With modern conveniences and international standard health care, Bangkok has a lot to offer. But at the end of the day, Bangkok is a big city and it is filled with traffic.
PHUKET
Phuket is the paradise island that every foreigner must visit when in Thailand. With our pristine turquoise oceans, breathtaking islands, and sunny weather, Phuket is a preferred city to move to. For expats, Phuket offers the best of both worlds. A slower island life with modern conveniences of a city. Phuket suits all budgets, and living here can be as affordable or as luxurious as your budget allows. The great thing about Phuket is that there is wonderful healthcare, including many international hospitals, which is affordable. Plus, for those relocating families, the school system here is solid – there are great international schools in Phuket that cover a variety of British & American curriculums. Phuket is also well-known for its large expat community, so there are many opportunities to meet like minded people and even volunteer. For those looking for a slower pace of life, Phuket delivers. With so many beautiful beaches and great weather, exercising outside is easy and in recent years, Phuket has become a wellness hub. It truly is a lifestyle island with so much to offer.
CHIANG MAI
The mountainous region of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is an expat favorite. The city itself has a lot to offer, presents a low cost of living and has easy access to many natural wonders. It’s a great place for those who prefer cooler weather and enjoy pursuing hiking and trekking activities. One of Chiang Mai’s downfalls is that the airport isn’t easily accessible for international travel, making a transit in Bangkok necessary for those who wish to travel abroad.
What type of visa should or could you get for working remotely in Thailand for a company abroad?
When relocating to Thailand, especially to work remotely for a company abroad, one of the things of utmost importance is to sort out your visas. If you are looking to relocate to Thailand to live while working for a company abroad then some of the recommended visas would be:
- Thai Elite Visa – Is one of the best visa options to get as it is a 5-year renewable multiple entry visa with an extendable 1-year length of stay per entry.
- Thai Work Visa – Your employer can also help you obtain a Non-B visa as well as a work permit.
- Retirement Visa – While the name may not sound like the right visa for working remotely, but it is a possibility if you are above 50 years of age.
Should you rent a house or buy a property in Phuket?
When it comes to this question, there isn’t always one answer as a lot of it depends on each person’s situation. If you do have the opportunity to choose between the two, then buying a property in Phuket is definitely the best option. As it not only saves you from losing money on rent, but it also allows you to build your asset portfolio, as well as potentially gain a return on your investment. The most important thing is to make sure you buy a property that is located in a prime location in Phuket. A property that ideally is a solar-powered home as this would allow your house to be self-sufficient in energy, without the need to rely on the grid. Some of the most sought after locations for property investments in Phuket are Laguna, Surin Beach, Bangtao Beach and Layan Beach.
Other things to consider when moving to Thailand
1. INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE
Prior to moving to Thailand, we do recommend you apply for an international driving license. This will allow you to drive legally in Thailand.
2. BANK ACCOUNT
Consider whether you want to open a bank account in Thailand or perhaps open one with a bank that operates in Thailand.
3. HEALTH INSURANCE
While healthcare in Thailand might be cheaper than abroad. It can also be very costly, especially if you want to get medical care in private facilities. Here are some of the recommended health insurances for foreginers.
4. MOVING
If you are moving to Thailand and have a lot of things to move, then you may want to consider a moving company. If you need a list of international moving companies who also operates in Thailand then make sure to check out this blog.
