What are the options for moving to Thailand forever: Review and Tips + Video

Picturesque landscapes, gentle sea, warm weather and exotic cuisine attract thousands of tourists to the resorts of the kingdom in Southeast Asia.

Some travelers fall so in love with the local flavor that they seriously think about moving to Thailand for a long time. There are several ways to obtain a residence permit and stay in a tropical paradise for an extended period of time.

Life in Thailand.

The attractiveness of Thailand for Russians

Some Russians are keen to move to a tropical state for the winter months and then return home. But there are also those who completely break ties with their homeland, sell all their property and go to the kingdom for permanent residence. The country attracts Russian people according to several criteria.

Tropical climate

In the kingdom, the air temperature throughout the year remains at +30...+35°C. This climate attracts residents of the northern and central parts of Russia, who are tired of the cold, snowy winter and gray everyday life.

Colorful landscapes

Living within walking distance of sandy beaches and warm seas is the dream of many people. And the richness of the natural landscape, flora and fauna makes the islands of Thailand popular with Russians.

Tropical forests, mountains, flower gardens and lotuses on local reservoirs are only a small part that delights those living in this country.

Developing economy

The state has insignificant external debt, minimal unemployment and a high share of product exports. Thailand occupies 9th position in the international ranking of automakers. A large number of factories producing Japanese and Korean cars have been opened throughout the country.

Friendliness of the locals

Emigrants from Russia note that Thais are smiling and friendly people. And the large annual flow of tourists into the country contributes to increased government control over the security system in the kingdom.

Convenient visa extension

Thailand has a large number of options for visa extensions, which can be applied for by people of any age: from students to retirees.

Where to look for work in Thailand

You can look for work in Thailand in several ways:

international sites related to job search;
searching for a job through friends or directly;
job search via the Internet: forums, websites, social networks.

Jobs in Pattaya

Among Russian-speaking citizens, searching for work through social networks, including VKontakte, is popular. Groups such as “Typical Pattaya” (https://vk.com/topic-18033300_28130419), Job Pattaya (https://vk.com/jobpattaya) can help in finding a job in Pattaya.

Work in Phuket

Similar groups exist for this region, which is popular both among tourists and among job seekers. These are groups such as “Recreation and work in Phuket” (https://vk.com/club103905982), “Thailand Phuket V” (https://vk.com/topic-16712879_23140333).

Remote work in Thailand

Some of those working in Thailand are remote workers. These are, as a rule, good specialists, professionals in their field: programmers, SEO specialists, designers. You can also earn money on content exchanges, or engage in copywriting or translation. Here, earnings depend on the field of activity: if a highly qualified programmer can, as mentioned earlier, receive a very high salary - up to 100,000 baht, then, for example, by working as a copywriter you can provide yourself with only a small income, however, allowing you to live and even travel around country.

To summarize, finding work in Thailand is quite difficult. It is worth remembering all the restrictions (in the case of legal work) and risks (in the case of illegal work), but for a person who has set out to find a job in this beautiful country and is ready to make every effort to do so, nothing is impossible.

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Disadvantages of living in Thailand

Moving to the tropics has more than just benefits. Emigrants who have lived in the country for a long time note several shortcomings of the state.

Difficulties in obtaining citizenship

The country's current government programs allow foreigners to obtain a long-term residence permit. However, in most cases it is impossible to obtain the rights of local residents. Therefore, some migrants remain to live in two countries.

Rain season

Warm weather in the kingdom lasts all year round, but there are periods that bring discomfort to local residents. From February to May, the state experiences sweltering heat, and from June to October there are heavy tropical downpours.

Tropical showers in September.

Difficult employment

In Thailand, there is an approved list of areas in which foreigners are prohibited from working. These include: tourism, medicine, trade, catering, agriculture, etc. Migrants can open their own business, but there are also a number of restrictions for business.

Development of corruption

The kingdom's police have many rights. In addition, there are many Russian volunteers in the country who help identify illegal immigrants among their compatriots.

The carefree nature of the locals

The indigenous people of the country are lazy and lack initiative.

The lifestyle of the population is called “sabai-sabai”, which translated means “life without obligations”.

Employers are forced to look for permanent methods to motivate employees.

The complexity of the Thai language

The language barrier often interferes with solving current issues. However, you can buy the necessary goods in the store even without knowing the Thai language. In tourist places, residents communicate with visitors in English. At the first stage, you will need to learn a few simple phrases.

Mixed families in Thailand

Mixed families are not a rare case in Thailand, when tourists who come to relax, study or work meet their love here. When a Thai citizen and citizens of various other countries create a family, it is easier for a married girl to obtain Thai citizenship.

According to Thai laws, if a Thai woman marries a foreigner, then the following requirements are imposed on him:

a man must confirm with documents his stable financial situation. You need to receive an official income of at least forty thousand rubles while working in a Thai company, or have a deposit in a local bank in the amount of 400,000 bytes;
A man can obtain Thai citizenship after twelve years of marriage.

Important! In Thailand, you can see advertisements about entering into fictitious marriages, however, this is not the best option for obtaining citizenship or a residence permit. If this comes to light, the participants will face heavy fines and even deportation from Thailand.

Who is Thailand really suitable for?

Moving for permanent residence to Thailand, especially to its tourist cities, is suitable for those who like to communicate a lot. You should not count on unity with nature and the sea.

Travelers from all over the world come to the kingdom, so you will have to get acquainted not only with the local population, but also with foreigners vacationing in the country.

Those who are accustomed to the bustle of the city should not choose a quiet and measured life on the islands. A slow and relaxed rhythm will quickly get boring.

It is better to emigrate to Bangkok, a metropolis home to more than 7 million people. This city has skyscrapers, shopping malls, modern townhouses, temples and bazaars.

Thailand is suitable for those who can earn 30-40 thousand baht monthly. Approximately this amount is needed for a comfortable stay for 2 people in the kingdom.

Bangkok is a large metropolis for those who love the bustle of the city.

Obtaining a Thai residence permit

To obtain a Thai residence permit, you will first need to apply for a long-term visa, and after 3 years, apply for a residence permit. The migrant must provide a package of documents and pass an exam.

Basic package of documents

To obtain a residence permit in Thailand, you will need to prepare documents in English.

The standard package of papers includes:

A completed application form, the form of which can be downloaded on the official website of the migration service or received during a personal visit to the institution.
Color photograph size 3.5x4.5 (3 pcs.).
International passport and copies of all its pages.
Medical certificates.
Documents confirming marital status.
Certificate of no criminal record.
A copy of the education certificate.
Tax payment receipt.
Apartment rental agreement or property title documents.
Bank account statement for the past 3 years.
Notarized birth certificate of children.

People who have opened their own business in the kingdom must additionally provide:

Company registration details.
Reporting on the company's activities for the past year.
Receipts confirming payment of taxes by a legal entity.

After submitting a package of documents, you will need to pass an exam, in which a migration service officer will ask 6-12 questions on various topics.

Sample of filling out the questionnaire.

Cost and processing time

When submitting documents to the immigration bureau, you must pay $260. If the residence permit is approved, the fee is $6,270. For those who married a resident of the country, the payment amount is $3,135.

Additional costs may include legal advice and assistance in preparing documents. The average cost for these services is $1200-2000.

If all conditions are met by the candidate, the residence permit is issued within 5 working days from the date of submission of the application.

Extension of residence permit

A residence permit in the kingdom is indefinite, but after 10 years from the date of receipt, a migrant can apply for citizenship.

Cancellation of a residence permit is possible for the following reasons:

Violation of state laws by a migrant.
Voluntary refusal of a residence permit by a foreigner.

Applying for a family visa to live in Thailand

You can get a residence permit in Thailand with a family visa. A family visa is issued to those whose spouse works in Thailand or has their own business, also if children study in Thailand at an international school.

A family visa costs 9,000 baht. And children’s schooling must be paid, depending on what grade the child is in. For primary school education you will have to pay one hundred thousand baht per year, for high school education - three hundred thousand baht. Education in international schools has a high level of education, and the education for children is comfortable. Teaching and communication with children takes place in English. As a result, children are given an international diploma, with which they can enter higher educational institutions in Europe and America.

You can find a private school in English that costs about thirty thousand baht per year of study, and they give you a Thai diploma.

The real financial side of the issue

The information that life is cheap in the country has long lost its relevance. It was cheap until the ruble to baht ratio was 1 to 1. After the ruble exchange rate fell, prices need to be multiplied by 2.5.

Renting and purchasing housing

There is a large selection of hotels, apartments, bungalows and hostels to stay in Thailand.

The rental price depends on:

Season. At the height of the tourist season, finding good accommodation in terms of price and quality is not easy. Even for apartments and rooms in poor condition, owners inflate the price by 2-3 times.
Resort. The price of housing also depends on the resort. For example, an apartment in Bangkok or Phuket will cost more than in Pattaya.
Rental duration. The longer the stay, the lower the rental price will be.
Distance from the center or the beach. The further the apartment is from the center and the sea, the cheaper its rent.

In the low tourist season, a house with 1 bedroom and a minimum set of amenities will cost about 8-15 thousand baht per month. For housing with 2 bedrooms and a swimming pool you will have to pay from 15 to 25 thousand baht.

A small apartment in the city center will cost approximately 13,000 baht per month, and in remote areas the rental price will be 3,000-4,000 baht.

It is worth considering that in addition to the rent, you must pay a security deposit equal to the rental amount. The price of housing does not include payment for water and electricity. On average, 1000 baht is added to the cost of the apartment every month.

The opportunity to buy your own home in a tropical country attracts many Russians. Prices for apartments in the kingdom are lower than the cost of real estate in large Russian cities. For example, a studio or small one-room apartment in Thailand will cost 1-2.5 million baht.

Buying a villa in Thailand.

Cost of products

In Thailand, prices for natural dairy products, eggs, and cheeses are quite high. A liter of milk costs approximately 45-60 baht, a dozen eggs - from 40 baht, cheeses - 240-350 baht. Seafood, meat and fruits cost about the same as in Russia.

Public transport

The main mode of transportation in the kingdom is by bus, taxi, tuk-tuk, moto-sai or scooter. There is no need to call a taxi, since in tourist areas you can catch one on the street. The fare is fixed or set by meter.

Approximate cost:

In Bangkok - up to 400 baht.
In Pattaya - 100-350 baht.
On Samui - 250-550 baht.

Tuk-tuks are small vans with a canopy roof. This method of travel is the most popular in the country.

The fare depends on the resort and the duration of the trip:

Pattaya - 10-40 baht.
Phuket - 25-50 baht.
Samui - 20-110 baht.

When traveling by this type of transport, it is better to pay for the fare without change, since many drivers refuse to give it.

Moto-sai are another type of public transport. The fare depends on the distance and can range from 20 to 200 baht.

Buses are the most convenient and economical way to quickly move around the city. The price depends not only on the distance, but also on the comfort of the vehicle.

On average, travel on city buses costs from 4 to 22 baht. To travel independently around the country, you can use intercity buses, tickets for which are sold at bus stations or at travel agencies.

Approximate prices:

From Pattaya to Bangkok - from 170 baht.
From Bangkok to Chiag Mai - from 590 baht.
From Krabi to Phuket - from 380 baht.
From Phuket to Bangkok - from 700 baht.

A common service in Thailand is scooter rental. In tourist parts of the country prices are higher. On average, a scooter with an automatic transmission will cost 3,500-4,000 baht for a month, and a scooter with a manual transmission will cost about 2,500 baht. In addition to the rental cost, you will need to pay for insurance against theft or damage (100 baht per day).

Knock-knock to move around the kingdom.

Other aspects

It is better to use public washing machines to wash things. With a small load of laundry, the price for washing will be 10 baht, with a maximum load - 15 baht. It will cost about 100-200 baht monthly to purchase detergents and household chemicals.

There are many fitness centers and clubs open in the country for sports. The cost varies, however, on average, you will have to pay from 100 to 300 baht for one lesson. You can train for free by hiking in a picturesque mountainous area.

To update their wardrobe, Thais and tourists visit numerous shopping centers.

Approximate cost of clothing:

Swimwear - 500-1500 baht.
Blouses and shirts - 90-200 baht.
Robes - 300-400 baht.
Shorts - 200-300 baht.
Jeans - 400-800 baht.
T-shirts - 100-150 baht.
Pareo - 100-170 baht.

The best time to buy clothes is in the summer months, when most shopping centers hold large sales with discounts ranging from 20 to 70%.

Price issue

Prices in the Kingdom of Thailand for renting and purchasing housing are different and largely depend on the location. The most popular option is a one-room apartment. In Pattaya you can rent an apartment for about $300, in Phuket for $500 per month. Prices for renting a house start at $500, you will have to pay an additional deposit.

The most inexpensive food is sold on the streets in makashnitsa, the cost starts from $1. In a cafe or restaurant you can have lunch or dinner for about $10, prices for fruit start from $1.

Public transport costs approximately $1-2 per trip, taxi $20. It is recommended to discuss prices with the taxi driver in advance. Renting a car costs from $30, and renting a scooter from $8.

Advantages and disadvantages

Whether you're moving alone, with children, or with elderly relatives, pay attention to the pros and cons. Let's start with the pros:

A simple procedure for obtaining a Thai visa as well as a residence permit;
Hot climate and plenty of sun. Many people move to Thailand because of the eternal summer, because the temperature there never drops below 20 degrees Celsius;
Thai food and a variety of fruits at inexpensive prices. Fruits and seafood can be consumed throughout the year;
Good environment and clean air;
No need to purchase winter clothes.

And now the cons:

In Thailand, it is quite difficult to obtain a work visa due to discrimination based on nationality. Without official permission, many displaced people, out of hopelessness, are forced to work freelancing, since illegal work is punishable by a prison term;
Communication problems. This is especially true for remote workers. Low traffic speed, and on some islands its complete absence, significantly complicates work;
Language problems. Thai is considered one of the most difficult languages to learn;
Thai mentality. Despite the fact that official policy is aimed at cultivating hospitality and friendliness, in a dispute that arises between a local resident and a visitor, the visitor is always wrong, the law is on the side of the local residents;
Climatic features. In Thailand, there is high air humidity and temperatures below 40 degrees, the heat starts at 10 am and lasts until late at night;
Insects and tropical diseases;
Low level of education.

How to move to Thailand for a long time

There are several schemes for obtaining a residence permit and moving to Thailand from scratch.

Work permit

Since the niche of mid-level specialists is occupied, a work permit in the country can be obtained by:

English teachers.
Layout designers and web designers.
Models for shows.
Scientists and scientists.
Technical specialists.
Top managers in large companies.

Despite existing restrictions, some Russians also work illegally in ordinary positions. In Thailand you can meet many Russian-speaking hotel administrators, realtors, guides, etc.

Therefore, scheduled inspections and raids are constantly carried out in the country. Caught violators are first sent to prison, and then deported to their homeland.

For official employment, it is necessary to conclude an employment contract with the employer and renew it annually at the embassy. The cost of the document is approximately $1,500, but the employer is required to pay for it.

Studying at a Thai university

One of the most popular ways to legally stay in the country is to obtain a student visa, which allows you to stay in Thailand for 10 years.

Regardless of age, all foreigners can study at local universities. Another option is to attend cooking or language courses, sports classes, etc.

For Thais, it does not matter what a foreign citizen will study. The main condition is compliance with the study schedule and timely payment for educational services. Foreigners can begin applying for a residence permit after 3 years from receiving a student visa.

Studying in the country.

Opening your own business

To open your own business in the kingdom, you will need to register as a legal entity. The registration procedure for all documents will take 2 weeks. Cost - 2000 baht. After receiving permission to open a business, the emigrant will be issued a work visa for 1 year.

Additional requirements:

Registered capital of 2 million baht.
Minimum of 3 shareholders, 1 of whom must be a Thai citizen and have at least 51% of the company's shares.

Extension of a business visa is possible only if the company broke even in the first year of operation.

Marrying a Thai

A woman who marries a Thai man can obtain a long-term visa. A man who marries a Thai woman can obtain a family visa valid for 3 months.

To obtain a visa for 1 year, a man will need to confirm his financial solvency and submit to the consulate documents on income, which must be at least 40,000 baht per month.

Also, immigration police will regularly come to the couple’s home to check the sincerity of the spouses’ feelings. If the marriage is fictitious, the visa will be denied.

It is possible to obtain citizenship for a man who marries a local resident only after 12 years, which the foreigner must live in the country without leaving the country.

Reunion with relatives

To move to Thailand with the whole family for a long period, one of the spouses should obtain a work contract or open their own business in the kingdom.

After this, the whole family can come to the emigrant. Children of foreigners have access to kindergartens, schools and universities. Studying in the kingdom will not be cheap, but the child will master English and Thai perfectly and in the future will be able to study at the best universities in Europe or the USA.

A moving permit costs 9,000 baht.

Investments in the economy and real estate

Thailand is quite attractive for investment in the economy and real estate. Wealthy people buy housing in the country and live in it themselves or rent it out.

Local developers offer real estate investments under the Thailand Elite program.

After obtaining ownership of real estate, a foreigner is issued a multivisa for 20 years.

When participating in the Thailand Elite program, it is possible to obtain a multiple visa for 20 years.

Retirement visa for long-term stay

Migrants over 50 years of age can obtain a retirement visa. To do this, you need to open an account in a Thai bank and deposit an amount of 800,000 baht into it.

This money is a guarantee that the pensioner has something to live on in the kingdom. 3 months after opening the account, you can apply for a visa.

The visa is valid for 3 months, and the number of extensions is unlimited. The cost of renewal is 2000 baht.

To retire to Thailand

Emigration to Thailand after retirement is common among Europeans and Americans. But even among our compatriots, moving to Thailand to retire is gradually beginning to gain popularity. Fortunately, Thai legislation provides for a special retirement visa, which can be obtained for one year and extended indefinitely.

At the same time, it is not at all necessary to actually be a pensioner - the age of 50 years is already a sufficient basis for obtaining a retirement visa. In addition, you must have a minimum account balance of 800,000 baht.

Permanent residence in Thailand attracts retirees due to comfortable conditions and a relaxed pace of life. There is a healing marine climate, affordable prices, and many spas with wellness treatments.

There are several ways to obtain a retirement visa:

Contact the Thai Embassy in Moscow;
Arrive in Thailand with a 30-day stamp and apply for a retirement visa at the immigration office.

A very informative video about Thailand.

Obtaining citizenship through naturalization

Naturalization is the legal process of obtaining citizenship based on the voluntary desire of those who migrated.

An applicant who meets the following conditions can become a national through naturalization:

The period of residence in the kingdom is from 5 years.
Minimum annual income from 480,000 baht.
Availability of a document confirming the renunciation of previous citizenship.

People who have acquired citizenship through naturalization are prohibited from:

Participate in elections for 5 years.
Work as a minister or judge.
To be elected to government bodies.

According to statistics, among all naturalization applications, only 20% are granted.

Attitudes towards immigrants in Thailand

Thais call white-skinned people “farangs.” This is not an insult, but a figure of speech used by locals in conversations. Thais are famous for their hospitality and openness to communication.

Thai people are quite friendly and welcoming. However, it is worth considering that in controversial situations, the law always remains on the side of the locals. Foreigners are advised to avoid conflicts and respect the country's traditions and laws.

There are no separate Russian quarters in Thailand, but this does not prevent compatriots from sticking together and helping each other. People exchange goods and products brought from Russia. There are groups on Facebook where immigrants exchange useful information and ask questions.