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Enchanting beaches, dynamic cities, a low cost of living, and an almost relaxed way of life. It's not surprising that the "Land of Smiles" draws thousands of Britons each year seeking to work and live in this beautiful and exciting region of Southeast Asia.
Thailand in a Nutshell
- 69.95 million people.
- Thai is the official language.
- Thai Baht is the official currency.
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing, tourism, and manufacturing are the primary earning sectors.
- Expats from the United Kingdom: No official data are available, although roughly 50,000+.
- Chiang Mai and Bangkok are the most popular cities for expats.
Which Visas and Paperwork Are Required?
To work in Thailand, you must first get a B Visa, which can be obtained upon presentation of a letter of permission from the Thai Ministry of Labor (your potential employer must get this on your behalf), and a letter from the employer as well. After obtaining this visa, you may enter Thailand and then apply for a work permit. British nationals are granted a 30-day visa-free stay in Thailand. Many individuals use this path to work upon arrival since the duration of the visa can be successfully extended by traveling to a neighboring country like Laos and then returning to Thailand. However, this path of obtaining a work visa is far more complex and less likely to succeed. Without a valid work visa, it might result in deportation. Here is all the information you need to renew your British passport in Thailand,
The Standard of Living
Thailand provides an excellent standard of living at an affordable price, similar to Western standards. It is possible to survive on less money, or you may live very well in a regional capital like Chiang Mai on £450 per month. In Bangkok, on £650 per month, just a few hundred extras per month will make you feel like royalty.
Organizing Your Finances
Certain multinational banks, mainly Standard Chartered and HSBC, have their branches in Bangkok to inquire about their international account. Siam Commercial Bank, Bangkok Bank, and Krung Thai Bank are Thailand's largest banks. Any of them will provide you with an account as long as you possess a valid work permit and the required address and personal identification.
Obtaining and Maintaining Employment
Occasionally, a few fortunate British expats go to Thailand with generous employment packages arranged by their employer, but this is rare. The most common professions for English-speaking non-Thais are tourism and teaching. The employment market is very competitive, and entry is challenging - yet it is possible. Thai enterprises that want to hire a non-Thai individual must adhere to strict requirement rules - there has to be a certain percent of Thai employees for each non-Thai worker. The company is also responsible for visa administration expenses, making it a costly procedure.
Locating a Place to Live
Most expats usually rent their housing since purchasing property in Thailand as a non-Thai may be a time-consuming and even tricky procedure. Numerous properties on sale are restricted by law from being sold to non-Thai nationals. As a result, the expat property market is thriving (for renting purposes), with a wide variety of houses available for rent, particularly in bigger towns and cities. Rental homes are listed in English-language newspapers and websites, or you can contact a local rental agency.
Education and Institutions
Due to cultural differences and language barriers, most expat families that relocate to Thailand enroll their children in one of Thailand's international schools. The "International Schools Association of Thailand" website contains information on the availability and location.
Medical Care
Thailand's health service has improved dramatically over the last several decades. Besides, healthcare expenditures remain far cheaper than in Continental Europe. Thailand does have a universal healthcare system, and Thai residents get treatment for free. Expats must have medical insurance. A significant barrier to treatment is a shortage of primary care physicians - Thailand has a far higher number of specialists, which is fantastic for health facilities. The Commonwealth and foreign Office's assessment on Thai healthcare was that while many of Bangkok's hospitals exceed Western European standards, quality may deteriorate outside the city.
The Golden Visa
To assist expatriates in Thailand, the government has created a 'Golden Visa' program whose primary objective is to expedite your transfer to Thailand; acquiring the visa requires only about a month.
The visa allows you to enter Thailand for twenty years. It includes 'VIP' services to assist you with immigration and passport requirements. Additionally, customers will have access to VIP lobbies, airport transportation, spa treatments, golf carts, and complimentary annual health screenings. Moreover, the visa includes a 'Government concierge service' that will assist you in obtaining a driver's license, employment permits, and everything else you may require to begin life as an expat in Thailand.
The 'Golden Visa' costs around £50,000 plus £485 in annual installments. Suppose it is a significant portion of your money, in that case, there are ten- and five-year alternatives available for £25,000 and £15,000. While these statistics may look excessive at first glance, it's worth noting as Thailand's cost of living is said to be 35% cheaper than that of the United Kingdom.
Thailand Expat Frequently Asked Questions
Thailand is a welcoming country for visitors and expatriates, with a low crime rate, a low cost of living, and magnificent sunlight for most of the year.
If you're considering relocating to Thailand for work or retirement, here are some of the most frequently asked questions by expats.
How is the climate in Thailand?
Thai climate varies considerably, from the chilly highlands in the north to the blistering summer heat in the south. Thailand is a tropical country, which means that the majority of the nation will see rain from November to March. The average temperature throughout the year is 30C.
Is Thailand a safe country for expats?
The risk of crime is comparable to that of the majority of other nations, if not lower. Each year, thousands of tourists visit Thailand without incident. Simply take the customary measures to ensure your safety and the security of your belongings.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the article addressed the biggest concerns you may have about going to Thailand. Enjoy!
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