Welcome To Thailand

The official language of Thailand is Thai. English is also taught as a secondary language in Thai schools but is not widely spoken.

Thailand’s healthcare system is well-developed and medical facilities are high-quality. Larger hospitals will provide English-speaking staff and doctors trained in the West. Private hospitals and clinics are recommended for expats as is private health insurance. Tap water is safe to drink.

Thailand is a reasonably safe country, violent crimes are rare and a majority of crimes are opportunistic. Thieves on motorcycles have been known to grab bags from victims on sidewalks. Do not use a shoulder bag or carry it on the side away from the street. Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth. Criticizing the Thai Royal Family is illegal.

Homosexuality is legal and same-sex marriage is recognized.

Assignees and dependents must register with the local authorities every 90 days. This can be done in person at a local immigration office or through an online reporting system. Failure to report can result in fines and other penalties.

Visa processing times average approximately 3-4 weeks, although it can take longer during peak travel periods or if additional documentation is required.

Thailand has a variety of public transport options including buses, trains, taxis, motorcycle taxis, and tuk-tuks in areas frequented by tourists. Long-distance buses and trains are available for traveling between cities, however, long distance travel by bus should be avoided if possible due to accidents. Traffic congestion is a severe problem as is overall traffic safety. It is common for expats to hire cars with drivers. Thailand has one of the highest rates of traffic accident deaths in the world.

To open a bank account, a work permit and passport are required. There are no significant challenges to opening a bank account other than language. Most major banks provide online apps in English. A cash withdrawal inside the bank will require a passport for identification. The specific requirements may vary depending on the bank and the type of account being opened, and certain banks may have their own policies that must be followed.