What You Need to Know Before Moving to Thailand

Thailand has long been a favourite destination for international travellers, known for its warm climate, renowned cuisine, welcoming culture and lifestyle centred around leisure, health and wellness. The country is also a major destination for medical care, offering services ranging from health screenings and dental treatment to specialist procedures. Moving to Thailand, however, requires more preparation than planning a holiday. Visas, finances, healthcare, education, transportation and accommodation should all be considered before making the move.

Planning ahead can make your first few months in Thailand much easier.

• Initial expenses: Budget for shipping, temporary accommodation, deposits, insurance and daily costs.
• What to bring: Consider whether large furniture and household items are worth shipping.
• Important documents: Keep passports, visas, insurance policies and contracts in both original and digital formats.
• Pets: Prepare microchips, vaccinations and required health or import documents. Rabies vaccination should be completed at least 21 days before travel.

The cost of living in Thailand varies significantly depending on location, accommodation, family size and lifestyle. As a broad guide:

• Luxury living in central Bangkok: around THB 200,000–250,000 per month or more
• A comfortable mid-range lifestyle: around THB 60,000–80,000 per month
• Suburban living: accommodation may be around THB 15,000 per month, with total monthly expenses of approximately THB 50,000–60,000

For long-term residents, opening a Thai bank account can also make everyday life easier, particularly for transfers, bill payments and QR-code payments. Required documents vary depending on visa status, the bank and even the individual branch.

Daily life in Thailand’s major cities is highly connected, with many services handled through a smartphone. Once you arrive, it is useful to set up a local SIM card, banking access and key apps for:

• Messaging and communication
• Ride-hailing and food delivery
• Online shopping
• Maps and navigation
• Mobile banking and QR payments

If you plan to stay for 6 months or longer, learning basic Thai can also make everyday life much easier.

For long-term residents, especially families, location should support everyday life. Thailand offers a wide range of international schools, private hospitals and services for expatriates, particularly in major cities and established residential areas.

• Education: International school fees can range from below THB 100,000 to over THB 900,000 per year, with additional costs such as transport, meals and registration fees. Travel time should also be considered alongside curriculum and cost.

• Healthcare: Thailand has a strong network of private hospitals, specialist medical centres and clinics. Long-term residents should arrange suitable health insurance and choose a hospital that is convenient to reach from home.

• Daily travel: When choosing where to live, consider the actual journey between home, work, school and hospital, especially during peak hours. Convenience in everyday life can be just as important as the property itself.

Renting first can help newcomers explore different areas before making a long-term commitment. Condominium rents range from around THB 8,000 to over THB 100,000 per month, with most leases running for one year with a security deposit.

For foreign buyers:

• Condominium ownership is allowed in your own name
• Foreign ownership in a building must not exceed 49%
• Foreign nationals generally cannot own land directly
• Registered land leases can be granted for up to 30 years

Whether you are looking to rent or buy a condominium, apartment or house, Richmont’s can help you find the right property for your lifestyle and long-term plans.