Complete Guide to Moving to Thailand in 2025

Thailand has been drawing expats, retirees, and remote workers for decades, and the appeal has never been stronger. A full meal for $2. A private hospital visit for less than an American co-pay. Fiber internet in a jungle-adjacent apartment. The country consistently ranks among the top destinations for people moving to Thailand from the US, Europe, and Australia — and the Thai government is making it easier than ever with new visa categories specifically targeting long-term residents and digital professionals.

But moving to Thailand is not just about cheap pad thai and beach sunsets. There are real decisions to make: which visa fits your situation, which city matches your lifestyle, how healthcare actually works, and what nobody tells you about the rainy season, landlord deposits, and opening a bank account.

This guide covers everything. Whether you are a remote worker scouting your next base, a retiree looking for a warm and affordable retirement, or a family considering an international move, this is the comprehensive, data-backed resource you need before booking that one-way flight.

Visa Options for Moving to Thailand

Thailand offers more visa pathways than most Southeast Asian countries. The right one depends on your age, income, employment status, and how long you plan to stay. Here is a breakdown of the five main options expats use in 2025.

Tourist Visa (TR) and Visa Exemption

The simplest entry point. Citizens of 57 countries — including the US, UK, Australia, and most of the EU — can enter Thailand visa-free for 60 days, extendable by 30 days at any immigration office for THB 1,900 (~$55). If you want more time upfront, the Tourist Visa (TR) grants 60 days per entry with double- and triple-entry options available. This is not a long-term solution, but it is the easiest way to test the waters before committing to a longer visa.

Education Visa (ED)

The ED visa is popular among younger expats who want to stay long-term while learning Thai, Muay Thai, or studying at a Thai university. It grants an initial 90-day stay with extensions up to one year, as long as you remain enrolled in an accredited program. Thai language schools in Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer programs starting from THB 30,000-50,000 (~$860-$1,430) per year. The visa requires quarterly 90-day reporting at immigration, but it is one of the most affordable long-stay options for younger expats without high income requirements.

Thailand Elite Visa

This is Thailand’s premium residency program. The Elite visa is a membership-based system that grants 5 to 20 years of renewable residency with no income or age requirements. The catch is the price: packages range from THB 600,000 (~$17,100) for the 5-year “Easy Access” tier to THB 2,140,000 (~$61,100) for the 20-year “Superiority Extension” package. In return, you get expedited airport processing, a dedicated concierge, and — most importantly — the freedom to live in Thailand without worrying about visa runs or renewals. For anyone with the budget, it is the most hassle-free path to long-term residency.

Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)

Launched in 2022, the LTR visa is Thailand’s answer to Portugal’s D7 and Spain’s digital nomad visa. It is a 10-year visa with four categories: Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and Highly Skilled Professionals. For remote workers, the “Work-from-Thailand” category requires a minimum annual income of $80,000 over the past two years, employment with a company with revenue of at least $150 million, or alternatively an income of $40,000+ combined with a master’s degree or IP/investment credentials. LTR holders enjoy a reduced personal income tax rate of 17% (down from the standard progressive rate of up to 35%) and exemption from the four-to-one Thai worker hiring ratio. The LTR represents a genuine long-term commitment from Thailand to attracting high-value professionals.

Retirement Visa (O-A / O-X)

Thailand’s retirement visa has been a cornerstone of the expat community for years. Available to anyone aged 50 or older, the Non-Immigrant O-A visa requires proof of a Thai bank deposit of at least THB 800,000 (~$22,900) or monthly income of THB 65,000 (~$1,860). It grants a one-year stay, renewable annually. The O-X variant offers a 5-year stay but requires a larger deposit of THB 3,000,000 (~$85,700). Both require mandatory health insurance with coverage of at least THB 40,000 for outpatient and THB 400,000 for inpatient care. For retirees with a modest pension or savings, this visa makes Thailand one of the most accessible retirement destinations in the world.

Cost of Living: Bangkok vs Chiang Mai vs Phuket

Thailand’s cost of living is one of its biggest draws, but it varies significantly depending on where you settle. Bangkok is the capital with all the amenities and energy of a global city. Chiang Mai is the laid-back, mountain-ringed hub that digital nomads have called home for a decade. Phuket is the island option — beautiful but pricier due to its tourist economy. Here is how they stack up.

Bangkok: The full-service capital

Bangkok is where most expats land first, and many never leave. A one-bedroom apartment in a modern condo near the BTS Skytrain runs about THB 15,000 per month (~$430). Step up to a two-bedroom in a central district like Sukhumvit, Silom, or Ari and expect THB 25,000-40,000 (~$715-$1,140). Add in food — eating out twice a day at local restaurants costs under THB 200 (~$6) — and a comfortable monthly budget lands between $1,200 and $1,700 depending on your lifestyle. Bangkok’s BTS and MRT network make it easy to get around without a car, Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) fills the gaps, and the city’s shopping malls double as air-conditioned workspaces.

Chiang Mai: The nomad capital

Chiang Mai is where Thailand’s reputation as a digital nomad paradise was born. A modern one-bedroom condo in the Old City or Nimmanhaemin area costs as little as THB 8,000 per month (~$230). A full meal at a local market stall runs THB 40-60 (~$1.50). Coworking spaces like Punspace, CAMP (at Maya Mall), and Hub53 offer monthly memberships from THB 2,500-5,000 (~$70-$140). You can live comfortably on $800 to $1,100 per month — a budget that would barely cover rent in most Western cities. The trade-off is a smaller city with fewer international flight connections and a serious air quality problem from February through April during the annual crop-burning season.

Phuket: The island option

Phuket is the most expensive of the three, driven by its tourism economy. A one-bedroom apartment runs THB 12,000-20,000 (~$340-$570), and Western-style restaurants charge double what you would pay in Bangkok. But eat local and you will still find meals for THB 60-80. Monthly budgets range from $1,400 to $2,000. The appeal is obvious: beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, and an increasingly solid coworking infrastructure. Phuket has also been positioning itself as a hub for longer-stay visitors, with new coworking and coliving spaces opening regularly.

Healthcare in Thailand

Healthcare is one of Thailand’s strongest selling points for expats. The country is a global leader in medical tourism, and the private hospital infrastructure is genuinely world-class. Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok treats over 1.1 million patients per year, including 520,000 international patients from 190 countries. It is JCI-accredited — the gold standard in international hospital accreditation — and so are many other Thai hospitals.

Private healthcare: quality and cost

Thailand has over 60 JCI-accredited hospitals, more than any other country in Asia. A standard doctor’s consultation at a private hospital runs THB 500-1,500 (~$14-$43). An MRI that would cost $1,000-$3,000 in the US runs THB 8,000-15,000 (~$230-$430) in Thailand. Dental work is 50-70% cheaper than Western prices: a root canal costs THB 5,000-15,000 (~$140-$430) versus $700-$1,500 in the US. Private health insurance for expats costs THB 25,000-60,000 (~$715-$1,710) per year for comprehensive coverage, depending on age and pre-existing conditions.

Public healthcare

Thailand’s public healthcare system is extensive and affordable, but the experience differs significantly from private hospitals. Wait times are longer, English-speaking staff are less common, and facilities vary. Most expats use public hospitals for emergencies and routine care while opting for private hospitals for anything planned or complex. The government’s Universal Coverage Scheme does not cover foreigners, so health insurance is essential — and mandatory for retirement visa holders.

Thai Culture and Daily Life

Thailand is not called the Land of Smiles without reason. Thai culture is warm, non-confrontational, and deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. Understanding a few cultural norms will make your transition smoother and your experience richer.

The basics you need to know

• The monarchy is sacred. Lese-majeste laws are strict and actively enforced. Never disrespect the King, the royal family, or currency (which bears the King’s image). This is not cultural advice — it is a legal matter with severe penalties.
• Temples and feet. Remove your shoes before entering temples and homes. Never point your feet at people or Buddha images. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body — do not touch anyone’s head, even children’s, unless you have a close relationship.
• The wai greeting. The traditional Thai greeting — a slight bow with palms pressed together — is the norm. Thais generally do not shake hands. Returning a wai is polite; initiating one to elders or monks shows respect.
• Saving face. Thais place enormous value on avoiding public embarrassment. Raising your voice, showing anger, or publicly criticizing someone is deeply frowned upon. If a conflict arises, stay calm. The quieter you remain, the more respect you earn.
• Language. Thai is a tonal language with its own script, and it takes real effort to learn. That said, English is widely spoken in Bangkok, tourist areas, and among younger Thais. In Chiang Mai’s expat zones, you can get by with English entirely. Learning basic Thai phrases — “sawadee krub/ka,” “khop khun,” “mai pen rai” — goes a long way.

Food: One of the Best Reasons to Move

Let us be honest: for many expats, the food is half the reason they moved to Thailand. Thai cuisine is one of the most celebrated in the world, and eating locally is so cheap that cooking at home often makes little financial sense.

A plate of pad kra pao (basil stir-fry with rice) from a street stall costs THB 40-60 (~$1.50). A full meal at a mid-range restaurant runs THB 150-300 (~$4-$9). Even upscale dining in Bangkok — the kind of meal that would cost $80+ in New York — rarely exceeds THB 1,500-2,500 (~$43-$71) per person. The variety is staggering: from Isaan (northeastern Thai) grilled meats and sticky rice, to southern Thai curries, to Bangkok’s Michelin-starred street food.

Western food, Japanese food, Korean food, Indian food — Bangkok has it all, and at prices that make dining out a daily affair rather than a weekend treat. Chiang Mai’s Khao Soi (northern-style curry noodles) is alone worth the move. If food is important to your quality of life, Thailand is hard to beat.

Weather and Seasons

Thailand is tropical, which means warm year-round — but the seasons matter more than people expect. Understanding the three seasons will help you plan your move and manage your expectations.

Hot season (March to May)

This is when Thailand earns its reputation for heat. Temperatures in Bangkok regularly hit 35-40 degrees C (95-104 degrees F) with high humidity. Air conditioning is not a luxury — it is a survival tool. Electricity bills spike during these months. Chiang Mai compounds the problem with its annual burning season (February through April), when agricultural fires send the AQI above 200 — well into the “very unhealthy” range. Many Chiang Mai expats leave during this window.

Rainy season (June to October)

The monsoon brings daily rain, usually in the form of intense afternoon downpours lasting one to two hours. It does not rain all day every day. Mornings are often clear, and temperatures drop slightly to a more comfortable 28-32 degrees C (82-90 degrees F). Flooding can occur in Bangkok — particularly in low-lying areas — but the Skytrain and Metro keep running. The countryside turns lush and green, tourist crowds thin out, and accommodation prices drop. Many long-term expats consider this their favorite season.

Cool season (November to February)

This is peak season — and for good reason. Temperatures in Bangkok hover around 25-31 degrees C (77-88 degrees F) with lower humidity. Chiang Mai can drop to 15 degrees C (59 degrees F) at night, which feels genuinely cool after months of tropical heat. Skies are clear, air quality is at its best, and the country is at its most beautiful. It is also the busiest tourism period, so expect higher prices for short-term accommodation and busier attractions.

Safety in Thailand

Thailand is generally safe for expats and tourists. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. The most common safety concerns are petty theft (pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas), scams (gem shops, tuk-tuk overcharging, rental deposit disputes), and road safety.

Road safety is the real risk. Thailand consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for traffic fatalities, with approximately 20,000 deaths per year. Motorbike accidents are the leading cause, and many involve foreigners riding without helmets or experience. If you plan to ride a scooter — as most expats in Chiang Mai and Phuket do — invest in a proper helmet, get an international driving permit, and ride defensively. This is not a casual footnote; it is the single biggest safety consideration for anyone moving to Thailand.

Political protests occur periodically, primarily in Bangkok, but they rarely affect expat daily life. Natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis) are low-probability events. Overall, the vast majority of expats describe Thailand as a place where they feel safer than in their home country on a day-to-day basis.

Internet and Coworking Infrastructure

Thailand’s internet infrastructure has improved dramatically over the past five years, and it now ranks among the best in Southeast Asia for remote work.

Home internet

Fiber broadband from providers like AIS Fibre, TRUE, and 3BB is available in most urban condos. Plans start at THB 599/month (~$17) for 100 Mbps and go up to THB 1,299/month (~$37) for 1 Gbps. Bangkok averages 150-300 Mbps for fiber connections. Chiang Mai averages 100-200 Mbps. Even smaller cities have reliable 50-100 Mbps options. Mobile data on 5G networks in Bangkok delivers 200+ Mbps, and unlimited monthly plans cost THB 599-999 (~$17-$29).

Coworking spaces

Bangkok and Chiang Mai have mature coworking ecosystems. In Bangkok, spaces like JustCo, The Hive, HUBBA, and The Commons offer hot desks from THB 4,000-8,000/month (~$115-$230) and dedicated desks from THB 8,000-15,000/month (~$230-$430). Chiang Mai is even cheaper: Punspace, CAMP, and Hub53 offer monthly memberships from THB 2,500-5,000 (~$70-$140). Many coworking spaces include meeting rooms, print services, community events, and high-speed internet as standard. Coffee shops with reliable Wi-Fi are everywhere, and the culture of working from cafes is deeply established in Thailand.

Banking, Money, and Practicalities

The practical details of daily life in Thailand trip up many new arrivals. Here is what to expect and how to prepare.

Opening a Thai bank account

Opening a bank account as a foreigner is possible but not always straightforward. Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank (KBank) are the most foreigner-friendly. You will typically need your passport, a Non-Immigrant visa (tourist visa holders may be turned away), a Thai phone number, and proof of address (a lease agreement or letter from your condo). Some branches are more accommodating than others — branches near expat-heavy areas tend to have English-speaking staff and experience with foreign account holders. Once you have an account, the PromptPay system makes domestic transfers instant and free, and QR code payments are accepted virtually everywhere.

International money transfers

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is the go-to for most expats transferring money into Thailand. Transfer fees are typically 0.5-1.5% with mid-market exchange rates. Western Union and bank wires are alternatives but usually more expensive. Thailand has no restrictions on receiving foreign currency, but transfers over THB 50,000 require reporting to the Bank of Thailand — your bank handles this automatically.

SIM cards and phone plans

Pick up a SIM card at the airport on arrival. AIS, TRUE, and DTAC are the three major carriers. Tourist SIMs with 15-30 days of unlimited data cost THB 299-599 (~$9-$17). For longer stays, monthly plans with unlimited data and 5G access start at THB 599 (~$17). You will need your passport to register a SIM.

Housing tips

Most expats rent condominiums. Avoid signing a long lease sight unseen — book a short-term rental (Airbnb or Agoda) for your first two weeks, explore neighborhoods in person, then commit. Standard lease terms are 12 months with a two-month security deposit plus one month’s rent upfront. Facebook groups like “Bangkok Expats” and “Chiang Mai Digital Nomads” are valuable resources for finding rentals and getting honest landlord reviews. Websites like DDproperty, Hipflat, and FazWaz list English- language rental listings.

Taxes for Expats in Thailand

Thailand’s tax situation for expats has been evolving. As of 2024, Thailand began taxing worldwide income for tax residents (anyone spending 180+ days per year in the country) on income remitted to Thailand in the same calendar year it is earned. Previously, income earned abroad was only taxed if remitted within the same year, leading to a common strategy of delaying transfers. That loophole is now closed.

However, LTR visa holders are a notable exception — they benefit from a flat 17% tax rate on Thai-sourced income and are exempt from tax on foreign-sourced income. Thailand also has double taxation agreements with over 60 countries, including the US and UK, which help prevent being taxed twice on the same income. Consult a tax advisor familiar with both Thai tax law and your home country’s obligations before making your move. Americans are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live — the FEIE (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) can help but does not eliminate the filing requirement.

Who Should (and Should Not) Move to Thailand

Thailand is an exceptional fit for certain profiles and a poor fit for others. Being honest about this up front saves you money, frustration, and a one-way flight back.

Thailand is ideal for you if:

• You are a remote worker earning $2,000+ per month who wants a high quality of life on a modest budget.
• You are a retiree over 50 with savings or a pension of at least $1,860/month looking for warm weather, affordable healthcare, and a large expat community.
• You value food, culture, and convenience over nightlife and Western comforts.
• You are comfortable with heat, humidity, and cultural differences — and see them as part of the adventure, not obstacles.

Thailand may not be right for you if:

• You need to work locally. Work permits for foreigners are restrictive, and many professions are reserved for Thai nationals.
• You want a clear path to citizenship. Thai citizenship is extremely difficult to obtain and typically requires 5+ years of permanent residency, fluency in Thai, and renunciation of other citizenships in some interpretations.
• You have severe respiratory issues. Air quality in northern Thailand is dangerously poor for 2-3 months per year.
• You expect Western-style consumer protections and legal recourse. Thailand’s legal system can be opaque for foreigners, and tenant/consumer rights are limited compared to Western countries.

Your Thailand Relocation Checklist

Ready to make the move? Here is a step-by-step checklist to keep you on track.

• Choose your visa: Tourist for a trial run, LTR or Elite for long-term, Retirement for 50+. Apply before you fly — some visas require application from your home country.
• Book short-term housing: 2-4 weeks in your target city. Explore neighborhoods before signing a lease.
• Get health insurance: Mandatory for retirement visas, strongly recommended for everyone. SafetyWing, Cigna Global, and Pacific Cross Thailand are popular options.
• Set up money transfers: Open a Wise account. Bring enough cash (USD or home currency) for your first month.
• Buy a Thai SIM card: At the airport on arrival. You need a local number for nearly everything.
• Open a Thai bank account: Within your first month. Bring your passport, visa, lease, and patience.
• Set up 90-day reporting: If your visa requires it, mark the dates in your calendar. Miss a report and you face a THB 2,000 fine.
• Join the community: Facebook groups, coworking events, and local meetups are the fastest way to build a social network.

The Bottom Line

Moving to Thailand is one of the most rewarding relocations you can make — if you go in with realistic expectations and the right preparation. The combination of ultra-low cost of living, world-class healthcare, excellent internet infrastructure, and a deeply welcoming culture makes Thailand a top-tier destination for remote workers, retirees, and adventurous families alike.

The visa landscape has never been more favorable. The LTR visa gives high-earning professionals a legitimate 10-year pathway. The Elite visa offers hassle-free residency for those with the budget. The retirement visa remains one of the most accessible in the world. And even on a tourist visa, you get 60 days to test the waters before committing.

Bangkok for the infrastructure and energy. Chiang Mai for the community and value. Phuket for the beaches and island pace. Whichever city you choose, Thailand delivers a quality of life that far exceeds what the numbers on paper might suggest.

Explore Thailand’s full profile on our Thailand country page, or use our country comparison tool to see how Thailand stacks up against your other top choices. Not sure where to start? Our personalized matching quiz takes two minutes and recommends the best countries based on your budget, priorities, and lifestyle.