Thailand is a popular vacation destination for foreigners, and it’s common for people to fall in love with its food, jungles, and beaches. Sometimes people decide to stay in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai permanently and must find ways to obtain residency.
Expats can choose several options to live in this country. One of the options to stay in Thailand long term would be a marriage visa, but people can also find local jobs or retire in this tropical paradise.
Why Choose Thailand?
Thailand has several tourist destinations for temple exploration, scuba diving, shopping, partying, and dining. However, people choose to migrate to this Southeast Asian wonderland for other reasons:
1. The Scenery
Thailand has a diverse scenery for everyone; mountains, jungles, beaches, and cities; this country can meet all your preferences and ensure constant entertainment. Thailand offers a mix of traditional and modern architecture and practices which amazes everyone.
2. The Cuisine
Thai food is prevalent worldwide, and the ingredients provide a rich mix of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour flavours. Even picky eaters will enjoy Tom Yum or Pad Thai; these vegetable-based dishes are pretty healthy. Don’t worry about the spice level; most restaurants offer local and foreigner-level spiciness to adjust to your preferences.
3. Affordable Living Costs
The ingredients for local Thai food are affordable, especially when you purchase products from markets. Typical transport like taxis and tuk-tuks are also very budget-friendly for foreigners.
4. Friendly Multicultural Community
The local Thai people are amiable and welcoming, so you will feel at home in this tropical country. Expats also form communities and clubs that help newbies find their niche and friend group; you will find your family with the hospital people in Thailand.
5. Always Something Fun
Thailand has several activities for different visitors; whether you prefer peaceful nature or a bustling city, this country offers everything for its guests and residents. You will always feel energized exploring the natural and artificial wonders in Thailand!
Thailand offers several wonders for visitors, and you’ll want to spend significant time here. This country is a paradise for foreigners who wish to experience the culture and surprises here.
Challenges When Living In Thailand
Every country has their problems and disadvantages, Thailand included. Expats may find these culture shocks and quirks inconvenient, but you will get used to the lifestyle over time. It’s essential to set expectations for your quality of life in Thailand.
The Weather
Thailand is a tropical country, so it’s susceptible to muggy and humid weather. You’re used to seeing bright and pleasant sunny weather on the beaches, which is mostly true. Still, the country also experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, while mosquitoes and other insects are expected during the summer.
The Public Healthcare System
Some expats may be shocked by public hospital quality in Thailand; these facilities are usually under-resourced and understaffed. Private hospitals offer better quality service, but they cost more and can be expensive. The best choice is to get health insurance with international benefits for expats.
Kinds Of Visas For Relocating To Thailand
Your key to enjoying and possibly living in Thailand is getting visas; you have the tourist, transit, courtesy, non-immigrant, official, or diplomatic passport you can choose depending on your plan in the country.
1. Non-Immigrant Visa
This visa has several variations for an extended stay, business, work, investment, or teaching in schools below the university level. Each category has various requirements, allowing you to stay in Thailand at different times.
The extended stay or “O-A” visa is the most popular choice for people over 50 who want to retire in Thailand. You can renew this visa annually, and you don’t have to find work for it to be valid.
2. Work Permits
Finding a job in Thailand is one of the most secure ways to obtain a visa. Aside from the documents, you will need a work permit from the Thai Office of Foreign Workers Administration, the Ministry of Labour, and the Department of Employment. Once you start working in Thailand, you must also pay income tax.
3. Family Members
If you’re a foreigner working in Thailand and you’re planning to bring your family, they can apply for an “O” category non-immigrant visa so they can stay for over a year. These visas can help you get residency in the country over time.
How To Get A Thai Residency
After staying for several years in Thailand, you should get residency to feel like a local. Foreigners can choose various residency types depending on the criteria they meet.
Permanent Residency
You must meet these requirements to get permanent Thai residency:
- Have a non-immigrant visa for three years
- Have a job or business in Thailand with at least three to ten million Thai Baht investment
- Have a relation to a current Thai citizen (by blood or marriage)
- Have a relationship with a foreigner with a residence permit
- Be a guardian of a Thai child below 20 years old
Thailand only grants citizenship to 100 people annually, so you must prepare your documents early to secure a spot.
Naturalization
Foreigners can obtain naturalized Thai citizenship with these requirements and an interview and written test:
- Living and working in Thailand for three years
- Can understand and speak basic Thai
- Paying taxes in Thailand for three years
- No criminal record
- Receive at least 80,000 Thai Baht monthly income
Conclusion
Thailand is a lovely country, and several people want to work and immigrate here. You must consider the pros and cons, plan your visa and residency, and find a stable job before you choose to move to this area in Southeast Asia.
