Clear, up-to-date answers to the questions expats ask most. For anything specific to your situation, ask the AI concierge — it routes you to the right expert app.
Most nationalities get a 60-day visa exemption on arrival, extendable once by 30 days at a Thai immigration office. A tourist visa obtained in advance also allows 60 days, extendable by 30. For longer stays consider a Non-Immigrant visa, DTV, LTR, retirement or marriage visa.
Any foreigner staying in Thailand for more than 90 consecutive days on a long-stay visa must report their current address to Thai immigration. You can file online, by mail, or in person. Missing the report leads to a fine, so many expats set reminders — the Thailand Expat Helper AI can do this automatically.
TM30 is a notification of a foreigner's residence. The landlord, house owner or hotel is legally responsible for filing it within 24 hours of the foreigner's arrival at the address. Expats often need proof of TM30 for immigration errands such as extensions and 90-day reports.
Some visa categories (Non-O-A retirement, LTR, DTV in some cases) require proof of health insurance with minimum coverage. Even when not required, private health insurance is strongly recommended because expats are not covered by Thai universal healthcare.
Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand outright, but can own a condo unit (up to 49% foreign quota in a building), lease land long-term (up to 30 years, renewable), or own buildings on leased land. Structures such as Thai companies are heavily regulated and require legal advice.
Thai citizenship applications use a points-based system. Common paths are naturalization after long-term residence, marriage to a Thai national, or by descent. Requirements include Thai language ability, tax records and a formal interview. Thai Citizenship Master Prep helps expats prepare.
Pattaya is generally safe for daily life but has higher-than-average scam and petty-crime rates in nightlife areas. Guardian Angel Pattaya publishes location-specific safety alerts and emergency guidance for foreigners in the city.
Most Thai banks require a long-stay visa, work permit or proof of residence to open an account. Some banks accept tourists with a Certificate of Residence from immigration. Requirements vary by branch — bringing a Thai speaker helps.
You can drive short-term with a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country. For stays over a few months, convert to a Thai driving licence at the Department of Land Transport. A Thai licence is also useful ID and gives discounts at national parks.
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