Possible pitfalls for expats in Thailand
With its natural beauty, friendly locals, delicious food and affordable cost of living, Thailand is a dream destination for expats from all corners of the world. From the beaches in the south to the mountains in the north, the Land of Smiles has something to offer just about every tourist.
It is therefore not surprising that many foreigners settle in Thailand for a longer period of time. But as with all good things, there are also downsides to living in Thailand. Below are some aspects of Thai life that deserve attention, because a possible pitfall can cause a lot of annoyance and / or problems.
-
Visa
For long-term stays, a foreigner needs a visa, which are available in many types. Finding the ideal visa that fits your needs can be a challenge. Depending on the type of visa one has, visa runs and check-ins at local immigration offices may be required to extend one's stay in the country. Whichever route one chooses, it is imperative to keep accurate and up-to-date paperwork to avoid hefty fines and penalties associated with overstaying a visa.
Although there is a lot of information on the internet about visas in Thailand, the reality is that each case can be different. For example, the documents required may differ per person at the local immigration office. Some expats prefer to hire visa agents to do the process for them. It is important that a reputable agent is selected.
-
Bureaucracy
Dealing with bureaucracy in Thailand is something many expats struggle with. From applying for a visa to opening a bank account, it can seem like just about everything requires a pile of paperwork. In the age of computers, digital banking, and other conveniences, the sheer amount of paperwork required for even the smallest tasks can be jarring (and inconvenient) for foreigners.
Many government services are not available online, making trips to the local immigration office the only option. You don't just have to fill out a ton of forms for even something as simple as a vehicle check-up. Several local banks and providers are still sending letters instead of electronic alternatives.
-
Pollution
Pollution is a problem that affects the whole country and its inhabitants, but expats especially suffer from unhealthy air quality. Although air pollution is sometimes talked about, not enough people seem to know enough about it or care enough about it – and that is reflected in actions to reduce air pollution. Air quality reaches dangerous levels every year in places like Chiang Mai with its infamous smoky season and Bangkok with its traffic congestion.
A Greenpeace survey in Southeast Asia found that about 29.000 deaths across Thailand were caused by air pollution last year. But not only air pollution is a concern. Despite having a beautiful nature, litter and garbage can spoil even the most picturesque place. That said, Thailand has been trying to improve its parks, beaches and other natural attractions, for example closing Maya Bay to revive ecosystems.
-
healthcare
Thailand has excellent medical facilities and is even internationally known for its medical tourism. However, the challenge for expatriates lies in the country's public healthcare system. Long waiting times, inconsistent quality of healthcare and language barriers are some of the main reasons why expats choose private healthcare instead. While routine checkups and certain treatments can be affordable even in Thailand's private medical facilities, expats often don't realize how quickly medical costs can add up until they're left with huge bills.
Those seeking invasive medical treatment may be surprised to find that they must provide proof of their health insurance or sufficient funds in their bank account. It is not unheard of for Thai hospitals to charge a substantial deposit before offering medical treatment. Without adequate funding or comprehensive health insurance, expatriates may not be able to access the treatment they need.
-
Traffic
Riding around on a scooter can be fun, but Thailand's roads and those who use them can make traffic dangerous. Thailand is still in the top 10 most dangerous places in the world to drive. Most recently, Thailand ranked fourth in the world, according to a 2019 WHO report. The number of road fatalities during Thai New Year (Songkran) and Christmas/New Year is shocking every year.
Despite police checks, new laws and government announcements, road accidents remain a major problem. Drunk driving is the leading cause of road accidents, followed by speeding. While it is certainly possible to become familiar with the Thai way of driving, always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or moped/scooter or opt for a car if possible.
Source: Prime Pacific Thailand
Realistic piece and nothing lied to it. Look before you leap and know yourself also applies here before you stay here for a long time. If one has the genes of a chameleon's adaptability (to blow with all the winds), there are many fewer worries.
THE people who visit Thailand more often or have family / wife / girlfriend know this kind of thing.
The motto is to adapt and go along with the Thai system and not to compare everything with the Netherlands.
For certain things, bring someone who speaks Thai and life will be a lot easier.
Completely correct, but bureaucracy is slowly getting less, Visa can now also be done online, good health insurance is currently not much more expensive than in the Netherlands.
And then the benefits; With an average income you live here at the level of 5 times average.
You can buy or rent here for a fraction of what you pay in the Netherlands, eating out here is dirt cheap and also tasty.
There will be quite a few disadvantages, but emigrating to Utopia is still not possible, Thailand is number 2 for me.
A response out of a thousand! Well said Gert. You can see pitfalls everywhere, it depends on how bad you make it yourself. I have 'adjusted' quite a bit to the disadvantages of Thailand.
I find point (3) ridiculous, exactly as if the air pollution only applies to expats. The application for a visa (1) and the bureaucracy (2) in Thailand can indeed annoy you again and again. Once you know the procedures, that's no drama either.
Last week I read a comment here: “We are not going to start a discussion about health insurance again” … well then we will forget point (4) 😉
And traffic, they do have a point there, unfortunately an expat will not change that. Defensive driving and paying attention is the message here.
All in all I am more than satisfied with my life in this beautiful country. And don't forget to enjoy!
Make a change (at a Krungsri office) to your bank account,
it takes a while, and you have to sign quite a few papers again.
On the other hand, you are really helped neatly, and the service and customer friendliness is many times better than in the Netherlands.
I don't know what age GeertP is, nor whether he lives permanently in Thailand. However, with his remark that “good health insurance is currently not much more expensive than in the Netherlands”, he misses the mark. I am 77 years old, live permanently in Thailand, and therefore necessarily have good health insurance. That insurance costs me 122.000 baht per year (about 3400 Euro, or 285 Euro per month), and that is “only” an inpatient insurance, so only for lying in and being treated in a hospital. The costs of medicines and a doctor's visit (semi-annual check-up) are entirely for my account, about 12.000 baht per year (1000 baht or 28 Euro per month). So my monthly amount is about 313 Euro !! That is more or less double what a Dutch health insurance (all-in!) costs. I'm not complaining, I'm having a great time here in Thailand, but in this case GeertP paints a much too rosy picture with his “not much more expensive” .
No, dear Henkwag, that is not true. In the Netherlands, in addition to your monthly premium, you also pay a Healthcare Insurance Act Contribution. This contribution is automatically deducted from your AOW and pension benefits each month. Every year, the tax authorities check your tax return to see whether you have paid too much or too little ZVW premium. For 2023, the premium is 5,43%. All in all, you end up with the same amount in both the Netherlands and Thailand. So GeertP is not wrong. You do!
Incidentally, I have waived such a strange health insurance policy in Thailand that does not include my current ailments and disorders in the coverage, and if I get sick today, tomorrow will come trotting with an exclusion. Plus drastic premium increases every year. Every month I put saved premiums in a separate jar. Have been doing that for several years. Can you find out how much already. If I give up the ghost one of these days, my wife has a 800nd spare account in addition to 2K ThB Immigration. May she be awarded because of many years of loving treatment.
Dear Henkwag, just a comment, I am 65 years old and live in Thailand.
I pay THB 97,500 per year at AIA, I am insured for 15 million, I know there are cheaper companies, but this is convenient for me because a niece works there and arranges everything for me.
If I had still lived in the Netherlands, I would have had my insurance with DSW with the top package because it includes world coverage, then I would pay € 180,50 per month, then the deductible of € 375, which translates to THB 91.500. per year at the current exchange rate.
To be honest, I think the costs you have at your age are not too bad, but if you want much lower taxes and much cheaper living and then also a cheaper health insurance, then it can of course be disappointing.
It's never quite perfect, I'd rather spend my money on good insurance than on other things and the last shirt has no pockets.
Greetings Geert
I think you forgot the income-related contribution under the Health Insurance Act (2023: 5,43%) Henkwag.
The maximum contribution is €66.956 × 5,43% = €3.635,71 per year.
https://www.taxence.nl/nieuws/percentages-zvw-2023-bekend/
So for someone with an income higher than € 67k it makes little difference, but a good health insurance in Thailand would cost me at least 6 times more than my Dutch health insurance.
I don't understand "sometimes". E.g. :I cleared my bank account in 1 hour. OK, that was a few years ago, but still?
I would also qualify the title with “PIPS”.
The main thing is:
– inform yourself very well in advance.
– Even before taking the step to immigration, first 'test run' as much as possible and keep in mind that coming to Thailand as a tourist is not the same as living there permanently.
– The own adaptability. If you want to have everything as in the home country, yes then the solution is : the home country'
– Concerning visa: there are absolutely no pitfalls here. Except for a few details, depending on the Immigration Office, the main ones are all too well known. If you meet these conditions, there are no pitfalls or significant problems.
– health care: there is the possibility of good and certainly affordable hospital insurance at your own discretion and the care itself is very good.
– traffic: only in the big cities it is a mess, like everywhere else, but a driver, with experience in his home country, will also get out of it here. A 'Sunday driver' in the home country will also have problems here.
– bureaucracy: insofar as you have to deal with this as a foreigner: let yourself be assisted by someone who can at least read and write Thai. With a little patience everything will always be fine.
– Pollution: highly dependent on where you live. Come and have a look here in Chumphon, you will see little or no difference with the homeland.
So I would just forget about those 'PITCHES'. Problems are there to be solved and we always succeed here.