Southeast Asia's most popular expat destination offering an incredible quality of life, low cost of living, warm weather year-round, and vibrant culture. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are top choices for digital nomads and retirees alike.
Easy to obtain, extendable for 30 days. Can be extended or converted to other visa types while in Thailand.
New 5-year multi-entry visa for remote workers. Requires $15,000+ in bank account. Allows 180-day stays per entry.
Premium long-term visa program. 5-20 year options starting at $16,000. Includes concierge services and fast-track immigration.
Thailand has excellent healthcare, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Private hospitals are world-class with English-speaking doctors. Medical tourism is huge here. Public healthcare is available but most expats use private.
Private health insurance: $50-150/month depending on coverage. Hospital visits are affordable even without insurance ($30-50 consultations). Medications are cheap and widely available.
Tax residency triggered after 180 days in Thailand. Foreign income is only taxed if remitted to Thailand in the same year earned. Many expats structure income to avoid Thai taxes legally.
Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) explicitly allows remote work for foreign companies. No work permit needed for remote work. Bangkok and Chiang Mai have thriving coworking scenes.
$300-600 for 1-bedroom in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. $200-400 in smaller cities. Luxury condos available for $800-1,200/month.
$200-350/month for groceries. Street food: $1-3 per meal. Local restaurants: $3-8 per meal. Western food more expensive.
$0.30-1 per bus/metro ride in Bangkok. Tuk-tuks and taxis cheap. Motorbike rental: $50-100/month. Grab (like Uber) very affordable.
$30-60/month including electricity, water, internet. High-speed fiber: $20-30/month. AC usage drives electricity costs up.
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