Is it safe to go to Thailand? Is it cheap to live? How long can foreigners stay? Can I live in Thailand if I buy a house? Can I get a job?
Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant and friendly culture, and the most incredible cuisine. This is why so many people from all over the world travel there with the desire to live and/or retire. But, how does one go about it? And is it safe to do so? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Is it safe to go to Thailand?
Living in Thailand is completely safe. Yes, there is crime in certain areas, just like in any other country, however, for the most part, it is safe.
It can be frightening to move to a new country, particularly when you are unfamiliar with the landscape, the language, and the culture. However, so long as you keep your wits about you, treat everyone with respect, and stick to the beaten path, you should not run into any problems.
Is Thailand cheap to live in?
Thailand is comparatively cheap to many western countries. You can comfortably live in Thailand for as little as $1,000 a month. Rental prices are significantly cheaper, utility bills are lower, and grocery shopping can be less than that of the US and UK, for example.
While Thailand is certainly more expensive than some of its neighbouring South-East Asian countries, it is on the whole, an affordable place to live.
Many ex-pats and tourists will reminisce about the old days, several decades ago when Thailand was dirt-cheap. However, as their economy continues to grow and the quality of life significantly improves, the cost of living is slowly on the rise.
In any case, considering the kind of lifestyle Thailand provides, it is worth every single penny.
How long can foreigners stay in Thailand?
The length at which foreigners can stay in Thailand varies depending on a wide variety of factors:
- Your nationality
- The type of visa you have
- How much money do you earn
- Whether you will be working in Thailand
- Your age
- If you have any familiar connections in Thailand
- And so on.
Most tourists arriving in Thailand will be able to stay for up to 30-days on a tourist visa. Generally, this can be extended several times by leaving the country and returning.
To stay longer, one will need to acquire a different visa, for example, the Non-Immigrant B visa which allows foreigners to work and reside in Thailand for up to 12-months (which the option to renew).
This process requires sponsorship from your employer, among a number of other deciding factors.
There are many other types of visa, including retirement visas (allowing people beyond a certain age to live and retire in Thailand), Marital visas, and more.
Can I live in Thailand if I buy a house?
You can live in Thailand and buy property, but there are certain laws that you must be aware of. For example: a foreigner cannot own land in Thailand, which typically means that buying a house is off the table. However, a foreigner is allowed to buy a condo and own that outright.
The process for obtaining residency in Thailand is rather complicated, however, if you are investing in property with money being brought in from outside the country, staying permanently will be much easier.
Can I get a job in Thailand?
Foreigners can get a job in Thailand, but the nature of their work is rather limited. The general rule of thumb is that they will not hire a foreigner to do a job that a Thai person can do. As such, certain specialist roles are made available to foreigners – the most prominent of which is being an English Teacher.
Here are some examples of job opportunities for you to pursue in Thailand:
- English teacher
- Tech specialist
- Marketing expert
- Real estate agent
- Embassy or consulate work
- Diving instructor
- Working for multi-national companies
- Hospitality
- NGOs
- Modelling and movie extra work
- Working for online businesses
- Starting your own Thai registered business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thailand is an incredibly safe place to live and is the gateway into South East Asia. If traveling around SEA then you can hire storage units in Bangkok at a very affordable rate. Companies like Keep It Self Storage, provide 24 hours access and have very good security measures.
Additionally, staying in Thailand is complicated, but viable if you are looking to work and invest.
There are some rules to owning property and living in Thailand permanently, but with the right guidance and support, you shouldn’t have too many problems.
After all, they didn’t get the name: “The Kingdom of Smiles” for nothing.
