Moving to Thailand

Why Move to Thailand?

Beautiful beaches, rich culture, and friendly people are a few reasons many are choosing to move to Thailand from the UK. Life in Thailand doesn’t have to be as laid back as what is portrayed in the movies; its cities are modern and booming, while its beach towns are full of life. Thailand is really offering the best of both worlds when it comes to life in the sun.

The Kingdom of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is made up of 76 provinces and is home to more than 68 million people. The southeast Asian country shares its borders with the Andaman Sea, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. The country has a tropical climate with an annual mean temperature of 82°F and high humidity. The currency in the country is the Baht and it is a predominantly Buddhist nation.

How to Move to Thailand?

To live and work in Thailand, you need to have a work permit and a non-immigrant B visa. This process is to be started before entering the country. The easiest way to get the work permit is through your employer; however, there is still documentation that you will need to supply. Once you have both permits, there are a few requirements for you to uphold while living in Thailand. As a foreigner, you will need to check in with the Thai Immigration Department every 90 days. The working visa only applies to the permitted job for which it was granted. If you change jobs, a new visa is required.

Culture in Thailand

There are many new aspects of life here in Thailand that could cause culture shock for those moving from the UK, from dress code to food, language to weather. English is fairly widely spoken in the larger cities, you’ll be glad to know, as it is taught in schools, however learning a few phrases in Thai can go a long way with the local people. Thai is a difficult language to master, with 5 tones to differentiate meaning, so you’ll want to practice plenty before putting it to use!

Buddhism is the most subscribed religion in Thailand, so it’s always good to brush up on what may be found disrespectful. For example, greeting someone holds great importance in Thai culture. The wai is a traditional greeting, with palms placed together like a prayer between the chest and forehead, combined with a small bow.

While tourists in Thailand tend not to follow this rule, modest dressing is also an important part of Thai culture. Professional and appropriate attire is common, with covered chests and shoulders for women, both out and about and in the workplace. Of course, in typical beach towns, swimming attire and bikinis are expected at the beach, but more modest clothes are best for strolls into town.

Healthcare

UK residents will find the healthcare system in Thailand somewhat familiar. If expats hold a job in Thailand, then they will automatically be paying 5% of their salaries into the social security scheme of the nation, covering public health insurance. Expats will be enrolled and assigned to a hospital near their residence where they can receive free treatment should they require it. Note that if you go to another hospital, you will have to pay for your medical care out of pocket. 

Hospitals are typically good quality, with highly skilled doctors and state-of-the-art equipment. Like other public systems, hospitals can become quite busy and waiting times may vary. Private healthcare is a way to avoid the queues but could cost you considerably.

Working in Thailand

For those looking to move to Thailand, finding job opportunities will be of primary concern. There is a huge mixture of people that have moved, from retirees to students, and therefore a huge range of ways to get into a career so far from home. A great way to find a job is to find a UK role that will offer an internal company transfer. 

If hoping to find a local role, it’s a good idea to secure the job before making the move to ensure you won’t be left stranded while job searching in a foreign market. For young professionals or students looking for initial work, finding a role teaching English is a great way to enter the job market in a fun environment. If you’ve got bigger aspirations, starting a company in Thailand is also a popular way to make a living.

Living in Thailand

If you’re moving across the world, it can be a comfort to have a community of like-minded people around you. This is why we’ve compiled a few of the most popular destinations for expats.

Bangkok

Thailand’s capital is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant atmosphere. From the bustling streets to the serene temples, Bangkok is a city many want to visit and move to. The city itself has a growing expat community, with businesses and companies based here. For families, there are many international schools to choose from.

Phuket

If beach life is what you are after when moving to Thailand, then Phuket is an attractive option. As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket offers a sense of paradise. The island is full of rich biodiversity and white beaches, as well as luxury hotels. The main city, also called Phuket, is bustling with nightlife and atmosphere.

Chiangmai

Surrounded by hills and rural towns, the city can feel like it’s in the middle of nowhere. Yet, it is Thailand’s second-largest city. Reasonably priced compared to Bangkok and Phuket, Chiang Mai has a growing population of expats who come for friendly and welcoming communities. With low crime rates and fantastic facilities, many expats are choosing Chiang Mai to move to.

Moving to Thailand with Bishop’s Move

If you are looking for removal services to Thailand, then simply get in touch with our international removals team today. With over 165 years of experience, Bishop’s Move has moved people to every corner of the world.  Our professional teams take care of every aspect of the move so that everything runs as smoothly as possible. With every package being completely customisable and bespoke, you will receive exactly the service you want.