r/MovingToThailand

Most people spend a lot of time researching visas, housing, and the cost of living before moving to Thailand, but many of the day-to-day realities only become obvious after arriving.

Looking back, what surprised you the most?

It could be something practical like immigration procedures, banking, healthcare, driving, renting, taxes, or even something positive that exceeded your expectations.

If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice before moving to Thailand, what would it be?

I’ve been traveling in Thailand for a while now, and honestly I love it here. The lifestyle, food, and cost of living are just great.

But visa runs are starting to feel exhausting 😅
I’m curious how others are managing long-term stays here.

I recently heard about some long-term visa options that don’t require constant border runs, but I’m not sure how reliable or worth it they are.

Has anyone here tried them? Would love to hear your experience or recommendations 🙏

Hoping to get some real-world advice from people who've done this.

My situation: French national, been living in Bangkok for a while now. Native French, German and English, conversational Thai. My background is in the fragrance industry in France (lab work at one maison in Grasse, then brand ambassador at another, mostly VIP clients and high-value sales). Since moving here I've been working in customer support to stay afloat, but that role can't sponsor me long term.

I've been applying seriously for about 6 months. Tailored CVs, cover letters, direct outreach to hiring managers, recruiters. Result so far: basically zero legitimate callbacks. Mostly silence, plus the occasional scam "opportunity."

I know the usual answers: teach English, work remotely, marry a Thai. I'm asking specifically about sponsored employment. For those of you who actually landed a job here with a work permit as a non-teacher:

What industry or type of company hired you, and did your languages matter?

Did you get further applying online or through people you met in person?

Is there anything you'd do differently if you had to start over?

Any honest input is appreciated, including "it took me 2 years" type answers. I'd rather hear the truth than encouragement.

Thanks.

Me and my husband are trying to move out to thailand on an education visa, we understand we can only work for remote jobs in our home country. Does anyone know of any remote jobs that are hiring right now for us citizens. Or anyone who needs any remote help? My husband has a bachelors degree in business finance and a cybersecurity certification. I am currently in uni getting my law degree . Any help would be appreciated. Also if anyone knows of any cheap houses to rent preferably in Chiang mai for when we get there under $300. Thanks in advance.

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Hi r/Thailand,

I’m from Mumbai and have a job offer from a construction company in Bangkok.

*The offer:*

- Salary: *200,000 THB/month*

- No other benefits – no housing, relocation, health insurance, bonus

*My situation:*

Moving with my wife. She won’t be working.

I need to send *30,000 THB/month* home to support my parents in India.

*My question:*

Is 200K THB/month livable for a couple in Bangkok after sending 30K home? What should I budget for rent, food, transport, healthcare, etc? Any hidden costs I should know?

Any advice from people living/working in Bangkok would be a huge help.

Thanks in advance!

Hello everyone (male,28), i live in Turkey, not muslim, tattoed guy (thailand will be good for my mind, i think) I make average of $5k per month and thinking to apply for DTV visa.

I don't do freelancer,alcohol or partying allday, don't drink coffee, don't like luxury restaurants.

i do calisthenics and i will smoking weed (only in thailand if i can move), i like techno and rock/metal music maybe i can go a place for this once a week.

that's me, probably i will buy whey protein, multivitamins and eat protein all day and smoking weed while making money and going out for walking and working

but i want to do savings for financial freedom is 5k usd will be good for mylifestyle?

can you give me advices, i need any advice.

thanks <3

Long story short, having a daughter born in Thailand because I didn’t care about condoms lol. Now I want to provide for my family and start my life there.

I have a remote working contract, €3k a month after taxes. DTV seems like the best option for me, but I won’t be able to get the 500k funds in time. I’m sure I will be in longer time, but I really want to be there from the moment my daughter gets born.

I wonder if anyone else has gotten a loan at the bank in their home country to get to the DTV visa requirements, I’m sure it’s not recommended but maybe with a loan and help of an agency this would be possible?

Or am I fucked. Can’t get a tourist visa anymore..

Seems like everybody is coming to Thailand these days because they want to live on sub 1 or $2000 a month. Is that actually safe or enjoy living like that or are you just poor or where you come from so being poor in Thailand is better? Not trying to make fun of anybody’s income but just seems really bizarre to me because if I was earning that little money and didn’t have savings moving to Thailand would be the last thing I would be thinking of. Personally I moved to Thailand to become wealthy because of lower tax and Living cost it meant I could save a way higher proportion of my salary and have a way better Living standard. Before anybody wants to try compare to a Thai person on 20 K or 30 K a month I know for sure 99% of Westerners do not want to live like that.

I can work remotely and currently getting a DTV visa.

After deducting a necessary small amount (for emergencies/extra travels, etc.) and probably health insurance, I can estimate to be left with around 50-55k Thai Baht to spend every month with my remote work depending on the month.

I'd prefer living in a house vs a condo - I've seen condos are small and bigger ones too expensive. Whereas a bigger house maybe far from the main areas can be cheaper. I don't mind this and paying up to 20k per month for it (hoping it's enough for a decent place)

Question then comes, is remaining amount of money, around 30k, enough for sort of a comfortable life for everything else and to eat and do regular things, go to a bar/restaurant once a week, maybe do some activity once in a while to not be stuck at home at all times? (For two, me + wife)

Also, I've been to Thailand before twice and I'm very okay with and actually enjoy most of the food. I don't need/want to live a 'western' life in that sense.

Might also have pets (cats) which don't really cost a lot unless they get sick - I'm aware many housing don't allow pets.

Edit: I do also have 600,000+ baht in savings already as emergency savings and for DTV. So for moving there I can spend some extra money in beginning for 'moving in' and anything needed.

EDIT: Thank you so much for all the comments, tips, experiences shared. Considering few things if I want to be extra safe and not be on survival mode or be thinking about the unexpected back of my head always, then it seems I do need a bit higher monthly budget. This is to make sure I always have a proper insurance, continuing to save up for the long term future, saving for any travels domestic and international and any other expected/unexpected things. In short, it's more than doable but have to compromise on some things which I'd rather not.

Hello everyone, this is my first Reddit post. I usually just read silently, but I am eagerly looking for some wisdom and advice here.

I am on my first Non-O visa based on marriage. My Thai partner and I are planning to stay here permanently, so we are about to buy a house for ourselves, my mother-in-law, and her 5 cats. On the other hand, although a motorcycle is already sufficient for our daily lives, I am also considering getting an EV just for comfort and safety. I would also like to have a solar system on our roof so I can be free from anxiety about the electricity costs of using the AC.

So the problem comes down to how stable my visa renewal is going to be.

I'm really fortunate to have retired early, so I'm not looking for a job here, but I'm not old enough for a retirement visa, nor rich enough to afford an Elite visa. I've learned that there are no solid standards for a lot of processes here in Thailand, from getting married and visa applications to banking, etc. A house and a car are big investments for us, and I understand second-hand houses or cars are relatively hard to sell in Thailand. That means if somehow I couldn't get a long-term visa anymore, there's probably not much left we can retrieve and take with us out of Thailand.

I've stayed in Thailand for about 8 months before, I enjoyed life here and am determined to build a new home here. The only doubt I have is the stability of the visa policy. After all, the Thai government can just kick me out, no questions asked, if they want to.

All comments and advice are welcome and appreciated. Many thanks in advance for reading!

TL;DR:

Planning to permanently settle in Thailand with my Thai partner and buy a house and an EV on a Non-O marriage visa. However, I’m worried about the long-term stability of the visa renewals and the risk of losing these major investments if my visa is ever denied. Looking for advice or shared experiences regarding marriage visa stability.

Edit: Hey I just want to thank for all the comments and advises here, I am super surprising how fast I can have the feedbacks and being super grateful to all of them. Really much appreciated.

Received a job offer in Bangkok and need honest input before deciding. Indian engineer, moving with wife, planning to start a family within 1year. Single income household.

Package:

Base: THB 80,000/month

Housing allowance: THB 15,000/month

No relocation support, no annual flights home

Health insurance for dependents — unconfirmed

Annual increment capped at 5%

The core question: Is saving THB 32,000/month (40% of base) realistic on this package for a couple in Bangkok, with a child planned within 1year?

Specific questions:

- Realistic rent for a decent 1BHK in a safe, well-connected area right now?

- Is THB 95,000 comfortable, tight, or genuinely difficult for a couple in Bangkok right now?

- For those hitting 40% savings on a similar package, what does your monthly budget actually look like?

- Does the savings rate hold once a baby arrives, or does it drop significantly?

- Indian expats specifically — are meaningful remittances back home possible alongside that savings target?

Not looking for reassurance, just looking for the honest reality from people living it. Thanks.

Hi everyone,

Due to personal circumstances (moving to another country), we need to end our tenancy early, so we’re helping our landlord find a wonderful new tenant for the apartment.

It’s a lovely 2-bedroom condominium on Soi 13, Nana.

* Rent: THB 26,000/month

* 3rd floor in a quiet, low-rise building

* Peaceful setting while being right in the heart of the city

* You can actually hear birds chirping in the mornings despite being in the city. There is also a terrace on the top + sauna + pool + gym + play area for kids

* Open-plan kitchen and living area

The owner prefers tenants who do not regularly cook strong-smelling foods (such as curry-based dishes), as the open kitchen allows cooking smells to linger throughout the apartment.

Since we are moving out, we’re happy to leave behind some items for you at no cost, including fans and other household essentials (mostly IKEA pieces). Everything is brand new, as we only moved in two months ago, and you’re welcome to use them when you move in.

We’ve genuinely loved living here and will miss it. If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please send me a message for more details/ pictures or to arrange a viewing.

I studied my bachelor’s degree in Thailand and have been using both KBank and Bangkok Bank throughout university.

I’m permanently moving to a third country soon, where I’ll obviously open a local bank account. However, I’m thinking of keeping just one Thai bank account for when I visit Thailand in the future. I still use QR scan payments whenever I’m here, and it’ll also be useful for ordering from Lazada, shopping, and other small things. 😄

I’m planning to close one of the two accounts before I leave.

If you had to choose, which one would you keep: KBank or Bangkok Bank?

Vote for me and let me know your reasons!

View Poll

I will prefer a vibrant night life and an active dating culture.

I’ve been noticing that once people move beyond short-term travel in Thailand, things get a lot more complicated — visa renewals, 90-day reports, re-entry permits, TM30, proof of funds, changing requirements, and different embassy interpretations.

For those living here long-term (DTV, retirement, marriage, business, ED, etc.), what’s been the most confusing or stressful part for you?

Trying to understand where most people get stuck.

Hey guys! I’m preparing to move to Thailand for the 2027 intake. From what I've researched, it looks affordable and honestly a good option. If anyone else is planning the same thing, let's definitely connect and share info! Also, for anyone already living or studying out there, please enlighten us with some advice 😭 Drop a comment or chat me, let's connect!

Hi everyone! First time poster so sorry if the format is not right and if my writing is bad sorry I am tired and stressed.

Coming on a year now I moved to Thailand to be a teacher kinda on a whim ( there is more context and reasons but irrelevant to this post). I am leaving in North Eastern Thailand currently. My job contract is coming to an end soon and so I have to make some hard decisions. First decision, stay in Thailand or go back home. I have pretty much certain I want to stay in Thailand, but the next decision is do I stay in my current city or do I move.

I do love where I am but there is not a lot to do here and with current job I am unable to travel even on the weekends. My current job is one of the main issues. I love my coworkers and my students dearly, but the school itself is so draining. It feels like they are actively working against us. We have almost no holidays or time off. They even cut out weekends if we miss a Monday and a Friday (we don’t work on weekends). It feels impossible to go see my friends and family. When I do get the chance it takes me even longer because there are limited flights into my city everyday. The pro of this job is the salary is decent and the cost of living is low in this city.

The part that makes me want to stay is my friends. I have made some dear friends here. I live with two of them in a house and it’s a really nice and peaceful life we have made.

I am considering moving to a city closer Bangkok, not necessarily to Bangkok itself. By being more central I would have an easier time traveling on weekends and on short holidays. One of my reasons for coming to Thailand was wanting to be able to travel more. I recently interviewed for a job in a city about an hour from Bangkok. This job said they would pay more than my current job, they offer health insurance, free lunch and they have all of December and July off but still paid. If my friends and family were to come to visit me during the school year I wouldn’t have to worry about them having nothing to do while I work because they would be so close to many attractions.

I am really torn about what to do. I don’t have the job it was just one interview, but should I keep searching for a new job? Or should I stay where I am? I don’t ant to make a decision I will regret now or in the future. I have been sick to my stomach thinking about this. I already had to leave my friends back home and now should I leave my new friends. I know I could make new friends but what if I don’t.

Longggg rant over. Please if you have any advice I could really use some support and wisdom.

I am currently a high school student in Australia who's planning on studying and getting my degree here then moving to Thailand for work.
My family is struggling a lot financially and we have no relatives in Australia making living here even harder. I have family in China and Thailand and I was thinking about moving to Thailand because I'll have family support, living costs are cheaper + I don't have to live so stressful and harsh as I do in Australia.

I was thinking about doing international business, tourism, finances or marketing as my job and getting a business degree as I am not a native Thai speaker. I'm aware about the difficulty of getting a Work Visa/Permit and the difficulty of getting a job because I'm not a native Thai person. I'm willing to take these risks because living in Australia is just so hard for me and my family (my parents are both immigrants).

Please give me advice on if this is a good or bad idea, any issues that I may face and advice for me for if I do move to Thailand.

Thank you❤️

I have lived in Asia for almost 40 years, three times in the Philippines. I will be publishing a book in the next week comparing the Philippines and Thailand facts flavored by personal experiences and lessons learned the hard way.

Here is the chapter outline I'm working on.

Chapter 1: Why I Wrote This Book

Chapter 2: The Journey

Manila, 2015

Bangkok, 2017

Hua Hin, 2021

Manila and the House Build, 2024–2025

Angeles City

Chapter 3: Deciding Where to Live

Manila / Rockwell

Bangkok

Hua Hin

Angeles City

Other Locations in the Philippines

Iloilo City · Cebu City · Boracay · South of Manila (Tagaytay, Cavite, Laguna)

Other Locations in Thailand

Chiang Mai · Koh Samui · Phuket

Chapter 4: Accommodation

What You Get for Your Money

Universal Truths

Advertising

Agents

Contracts

Furnished vs. Unfurnished

Closing Comparison

Chapter 5: Buying or Building

Foreign Ownership Rules

Property Ownership Through a Spouse

Buying Existing Property

Selection Process — Do’s and Don’ts · Home Inspection Services · Title Verification · Condo Considerations

Considerations When Buying or Building a Home

What Went Wrong: Building · What Went Right and Wrong: Buying Pre-Built

Advance Payments: A Special Caution for the Philippines

Closing Summary

Chapter 6: Renting

Finding a Rental

The Rental Agreement

Moving In

During the Tenancy

Ending the Lease

Chapter 7: Visas

Chapter 8: Infrastructure

Chapter 9: Banking

Chapter 10: Safety & Security

Chapter 11: Cost of Living

Chapter 12: Food & Shopping

Chapter 13: Recreation

Chapter 14: Driving & Transportation

Chapter 15: Healthcare

Chapter 16: Intra-country and International Travel

Chapter 17: Closing — Making Your Decision