Relocating to Thailand from the US ? - Bear this in mind

[CharlieH]

In the post-Covid era, a new wave of digital work styles and a better work-life balance have inspired many to move abroad. Expats, digital nomads, and remote workers are now making Thailand one of their top destinations. 

The allure of Thailand’s lifestyle and relatively low cost of living has enticed people from around the world, and if you’re planning on making Thailand your new home, this short guide will walk you through a few things you should keep in mind.

Visa & Residency Avenues

Before making the move, understanding Thailand’s visa system is crucial. A standard tourist visa will not allow you to stay long-term, and there are various options for expats and digital nomads.

Retirement Visa

For those looking to retire in Thailand, the Retirement Visa is a popular choice. You must be at least 50 years old to qualify for this visa. You’ll need to provide evidence of a stable income of 65,000 Baht per month or a bank balance of 800,000 Baht. 

Additionally, a health insurance plan that covers hospitalisation and outpatient care is required. The Retirement Visa typically lasts for one year and must be renewed annually. Do note that a re-entry permit is needed if you are planning to leave the country.

Other popular visa choices include the Thailand Elite Visa, which offers stays ranging from 45 to 20 years, along with numerous additional perks, and the LTR Visa, which provides 10-year validity and faster immigration processing at airports.

TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)

As of May 1, the Thai government replaced the TM6 Form with the TDAC. The TDAC is mandatory for all foreign citizens arriving in Thailand, regardless of visa type. It serves as an electronic health declaration and security check for travellers entering the country. The form can be submitted online up to 3 days before your arrival.

Thai Weather

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: the Wet season and the Dry season. The wet season, or rainy season, typically runs from May to October. During this time, temperatures range from 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 93°F), with high humidity levels. 

The rain can be heavy, especially in the afternoons and evenings, but it often passes quickly, leaving the air fresh. If you’re moving during this season, lightweight, breathable clothing made of cotton or linen is essential. Be sure to carry an umbrella, as rain showers can be unexpected.

The dry season runs from November to May, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 85°F). Humidity is lower, making it more comfortable to explore the country. The weather is generally sunny, and this is considered the best time to visit Thailand. However, in the southern parts like Phuket and Bangkok, the heat can still be quite intense, so it’s important to stay hydrated and use sunscreen.

Health Insurance & Emergency Information

Health insurance is an absolute must when living in Thailand, and it may even be required as part of your visa application process. Healthcare in Thailand is known to be affordable and of high quality, but having international health insurance will ensure you’re fully covered in case of emergencies, especially if you’re living in the country long-term. 

Leading insurance providers, such as Cigna Health Insurance, offer tailored plans for expatriates that include inpatient and outpatient care, mental health support, and coverage for critical illnesses.

 

 

Emergency Numbers

In case of emergencies, it’s important to know the local numbers for immediate help. For the Thai Tourist Police, dial 1155. For ambulance services, dial 1669. In addition, it’s recommended to have the contact information of your embassy and the nearest hospital for added peace of mind.

What to Bring?

Beyond visas, there are a few essential items to consider packing. These include:

 

• Medications: If you have specific prescriptions, bring a sufficient supply or ensure you can obtain them locally.

• Electrical Adapters: Thailand uses Type A, B, and C plugs, with a voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz.

• Important Documents: Keep copies of your passport, visa, insurance, and any medical records you may need.

 

Retiring or becoming an expat in Thailand can be a more straightforward process than you may think. Just like anything else, research is crucial. While this guide provides surface-level insights, it goes without saying that the information above doesn’t apply to everyone. Make sure to research and plan ahead, and Thailand could be the perfect place to start your new adventure.

 

 

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[spidermike007]

What you really need to bear in mind is that your quality of life is going to improve dramatically once you leave the land of the bitter, the overpriced, and the lonely, and come here to the land of laughter and light-heartedness and a reasonable cost of loving and living! 

[StevieAus]

Since when has a health insurance plan been a requirement for a Retirement Extension, not in the fifteen years I have held mine or my expat friends either

[Old Croc]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

What you really need to bear in mind is that your quality of life is going to improve dramatically once you leave the land of the bitter, the overpriced, and the lonely, and come here to the land of laughter and light-heartedness and a reasonable cost of loving and living! 

Well said. And please leave your toxic American politics behind you, it's not wanted in Thailand. There are too many rabid morons leaving their excreatment all over forums like this as it is.

[HappyExpat57]

15 minutes ago, StevieAus said:

Since when has a health insurance plan been a requirement for a Retirement Extension, not in the fifteen years I have held mine or my expat friends either

I believe an O-A requires insurance.

[xeniv23]

I lived in Nonthaburi for a year then almost three years on the south of Phuket near Chalong Bay.  The temps stated in the above article are not even close.  Thailand has three seasons:  Warm and pretty nice.  Dry and very hot.  37+ most days and humid as hell.  Dry meaning only that it is not pouring rain. Hot and very wet.  I have been kayaking on the khlongs  and on the Chao Praya River in Bangkok and the heat index has been in excess of 140 F.    If, like most people of retirement age, you have had some healthcare adventures the insurance companies will know all about it already.  You must fill out the forms honestly and include everything.  Don't be tempted not to because you are now in Thailand.  You have a tail.  It follows you everywhere.  What does this mean?  Your healthcare policy will have so many exclusions that you are effectively uncovered for anything that is likely to develop.  To keep the policy affordable your deductible will be large, very large.  As you age out of the system your premiums will climb, not quite exponentially, but it can seem so.  You will be paying for all the routine stuff anyway from your pocket.  I was paying just under 2,600 usd a year.  

 

I switched from an O-A retirement visa to an O visa which did not require the health insurance policy.  Perhaps that will change in the future.  In any event, I felt that all the health insurance premium money I gave out was a complete waste.  You will have to decide that for yourself but the above rosy picture is painted by someone trying to sell you health insurance.  A bit like being in AARP:  An insurance company masquerading as an advocacy group for Seniors.  

[happydreamer]

What type of proof of income satisfies the requirement for visa.  US embassy doesn't provide letters certifying income. 

 

Would love to get my money out of a non earning bank account here and back into investments  

[TroubleandGrumpy]

Anyone who wants to live in Thailand as a Retiree, my main advice is to not get a Retirement Visa in your home country. That is called the Non-Immigrant O-A Retirement Visa and one of the problems with getting that is that you have to get Thai approved Health Insurance which is a ripoff - and you are locked into renewing it each year for extensions.  IMO the best way to go is to get a full Non-Immigrant Tourist Visa for 90 days (not the Visa on arrival etc.) and then when you have settled into an address, apply for a 12 month extension of your permission to stay under the Non-Immigrant Retirement O Visa.  The O-A Retirement Visa from the home country is not as good IMO as the O Retirement Visa (extension) available once you are in Thailand. The bank account issue might need some checking out - rules changed recently.