Familiarity with Thai culture plays a crucial role in forging successful relationships. Known as the land of smiles, Thailand’s culture revolves around respect, politeness, and maintaining harmony. It’s common to see people greeting each other with a ‘wai’ (a prayer-like gesture). Learning these nuances not only helps in understanding the culture better but also signifies … Read more

Inhabiting the beautiful terrain of Thailand brings joy, exploration, and cultural enlightenment, but it also presents unique health challenges. With this guide, we aim to navigate you through effective methods of preventing diseases and illnesses while residing in Thailand. Immunizations and Routine Health Examinations Immunizations and routine health examinations are essential preventive measures that safeguard … Read more

Thailand has a two-tier health insurance system, comprised of both public and private cover. Most Thai citizens are covered under the public scheme of the UCS (Universal Coverage Scheme) and this applied to expats as well until recently, when the system changed with regard to some long term visa applications. We will look at how to … Read more

Thailand’s healthcare system was ranked sixth in CEOWORLD magazine’s 2019 global healthcare index. Thailand offers a high standard of healthcare, and treatment can be both better and cheaper than in some Western countries. The majority of medical centres are based in the larger cities, especially Bangkok. There are far fewer doctors in rural areas, especially … Read more

The healthcare system in Thailand is modern, and, in most cases, you will have no problem obtaining your regular medications. Drug costs will usually be covered by your health insurance scheme, though you should always check for exceptions and limitations. As in much of the world, prescriptions are written by medical doctors, and you can … Read more

Wherever you live, access to good quality care during pregnancy and labour is important. If you are living abroad, particularly if you are not yet fluent in the language of your new home, finding the right plan can be stressful, and you may encounter cultural differences. We recommend that you start the process of choosing … Read more

If you are working in Thailand, you should qualify for state-sponsored healthcare, covered by your social security payments. These payments are taken out automatically by your employer, and they usually work out to be about 5% of your salary. You will be assigned to a local public hospital where you can access healthcare. In bigger … Read more

Thailand enjoys a high standard of healthcare, and by international standards, costs are low. So, for expats living, working and retiring there, health insurance is generally not a financial barrier. At present, you are not obliged to take out health insurance if you are living, but not working, in Thailand.However, the government is in the … Read more

Wherever you live, health and fitness are important, but when you move to a new country, it can be hard to establish a good routine. Fitness can become a low priority, especially while you are sorting out your accommodation, establishing a new friendship group, and getting used to a different environment. This article will take … Read more

If you are an expat living in Thailand, then it’s worth familiarising yourself with your options with regard to dental and ophthalmic care. If you work legally in the country and are entitled to social security benefits, or you have become a Thai citizen and are entitled to nationalised healthcare, then you can seek treatment … Read more

Thailand is famous for its wellness retreats, and it is not difficult to find practitioners there for most kinds of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Traditional Thai and Chinese medicine is well regarded in the country, and there is even a government department for the development of Thai traditional and alternative medicine (DDTTAM), as well … Read more

There are a large number of both national and international banks in Thailand, including some that are well known, such as Bangkok Bank, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, and HSBC. Most of the banks in Thailand have English language websites available, as well as English-speaking staff in many of their branches. The Bank of Thailand (the Central … Read more

Renting property Finding rentals in Thailand is relatively easy, especially in popular expat cities, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Tao and Hua Hin. The standard lease length is twelve months, though some landlords will offer a six-month lease, or perhaps something even shorter, depending on the type of rental.Condominiums are the most popular and … Read more

Thailand draws a number of visitors every year, with its impressive food, rich culture and beautiful nature. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to travel there. This article will walk you through the types of visa available, as well as the processes for applying for a work permit or residency.Visas Tourists from … Read more

With its fascinating culture and attractive climate, Thailand is an appealing destination for expats seeking employment. However, finding a work permit involves a high level of bureaucratic complexity. Also, there are some jobs that overseas nationals are not allowed to do – much of this, though not all, relates to traditional Thai crafts. The Thai … Read more

Bangkok, Thailand, is a vibrant capital city known around the world for many things, from its exciting nightlife scene and stunning palaces, temples and pagodas, to spicy food, charming streets and friendly faces. However, over the past few years, Bangkok has added something new to what makes it so unique, and that’s the increasing popularity … Read more

Thailand is celebrated as an ancient culture, replete with thousand-year-old temples and a spirituality which mingles with a bustling city life and a booming economy. However, the ‘Land of Smiles’ has its eyes firmly set on the future thanks to its continued investment in technology industries. The country is looking to become an incubator nation … Read more

The Kingdom of Thailand has implemented a set of visa and work permit controls for visitors and those who wish to settle there.If you want to enjoy your stay in Thailand, getting your paperwork in order is essential. Check Your Passport Your passport’s expiry date must be at least six months after the date you … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Thailand and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.Thailand Expat/Thai Discussion Facebook Group With almost … Read more

This article was created in association with Thailand Starter Kit, a website that provides free in-depth guides on moving to Thailand. Thailand’s expat community is a diverse one and includes everyone from students to retirees. Professional expats will find that most of the job opportunities are based in the capital city of Bangkok. One of … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Thailand and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.Farang Rak Thai Photo Bloghttps://farangrakthai.com/ A photo diary of life in Thailand, … Read more

Beautiful beaches, pleasant weather and a laidback lifestyle are just some of the advantages of living in Thailand. Expats also benefit from the emerging economy and profitable business prospects. The expat scene in Thailand is vibrant, especially in the capital city of Bangkok. Phuket and other southern areas of the country are more popular among … Read more

There are many reasons why moving to Thailand is a great decision. Pleasant weather, beautiful beaches and the excellent Thai hospitality are just some of them. For those who are already sold on the idea of moving to Thailand, here is a list of ten essentials you should definitely take with you. 1. Important paperworkYou … Read more

Thailand is known to be relatively hygienic and safe, and those who visit the country do not have much to worry about. The hygiene standards in some areas may not be up to the mark, but it does not pose any major health risks. There is a professional healthcare system in place and the hospitals … Read more

Thai food is popular across the world and you’re likely to find a Thai restaurant in every country. But to eat the local food in Thailand itself is a completely different culinary experience. You will find that harmony is the foundation of each dish and whether it’s a spicy chili laden curry or a more … Read more

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your company My name is Ashley Tiernan, I am a partner in Direct 2 Developers and Pattaya & Jomtien Real Estate in Pattaya Thailand. I was born in England and have lived in Pattaya Thailand since about 2000 with my wife and 3 kids. Most of my … Read more

by Samantha Pryor After seeing my partner off in a taxi to Suvarnabhumi Airport, I was ‘lucky’ enough to get the next taxi to take me to work. It seemed to be very humid already, we hadn’t seen any rain the day before and I was feeling it. I was also struggling to walk after … Read more