Moving to Thailand

Excerpts from the Guide are provided for your information. You need to refer to the Bangkok Guide 17th Edition for complete details.

This chapter in the Bangkok Guide contains detailed information on these topics:

Contracts have been signed, departure dates finalised and farewell parties organised. You're on your way to a new and exciting life in a foreign country! So, what needs to be done in preparation for the big move? The information in this chapter will help you and your family organise everything, from paperwork to the family pet. It also provides useful advice about what to pack and deciding where to live once you have arrived.

Before Departing

Make sure your passports have at least six months' validity before you enter Thailand. Make spare copies of your passports and keep them separate from the originals.

Check with your consulate regarding passport requirements for your children. Some countries, such as Australia, require each child to have a separate passport. If you are entitled to have your children on your passport, be aware that you may not be able to leave the country without them. If you do so, written permission from the remaining parent may need to be produced. Make sure you are fully aware of all relevant legal requirements.

Visas & work permits

Organise visas and work permits for yourself and your family.

Other documents

Make paper or electronic copies of all important documents as you will need the originals for renewing visas, opening bank accounts, obtaining work permits, tax requirements and any embassy business. A suggested list might include (but is not limited to): birth, adoption, marriage and divorce certificates; education degrees & transcripts; resumes; tax & insurance details; current local & international driving licences; medical documentation; pet veterinary certificates; authenticity certificates and photographs of antiques and valuable items brought into the country.

Stock up on passport-sized photographs as they are required for schools, visas, work permits, bank accounts and other formalities (printed, not digital photos).

Immunisations

Contact your doctor for current immunisation/vaccination requirements and recommendations.

Visas & Work Permits

Visas

Before entering Thailand, check with the Royal Thai Embassy or consulate in your country of residence for the most up-to-date visa information. Entry into Thailand will vary according to your citizenship. Application for a residential visa (Non Immigrant Visa (Category B)), in the event that you will be working in Thailand, or Non Immigrant Visa (Category O) for family members of someone who will work in Thailand, must be made before entering the country. Other special categories of visa are available, so before coming to Thailand you should check with the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or consulate as to which is applicable. In many cases your visa status cannot be changed within the country once you are in Thailand.

When applying for visas, request what is referred to as a re-entry permit. When you leave Thailand, regardless of the amount of time spent outside Thailand , the visa is cancelled unless you hold a re-entry permit. If you are expecting to be in and out of the country more than once during the period of your visa, you may want to consider applying for a multiple re-entry permit, which will apply up to the expiration date of your visa. This will cost a little extra, but saves time and money if you wish to travel outside Thailand on more than one occasion during the time limit of your visa.

Transit Visas are valid for 30 days.

Tourist Visas are valid for 60 days.

The two main types of visa issued to foreigners for longer stays in Thailand are Non Immigrant Category B (B for Business) and Non Immigrant Category O (O for Other) visas. Only holders of a Non Immigrant Visa are permitted to apply for a work permit. Non Immigrant Visas are valid for 90 days after entering ….

Work permits

A work permit is a passbook-sized book that includes details of the employee, work to be carried out, dates of employment and location of work. A work permit is issued by the Thai Dept. of Labor in most instances. Any work performed beyond these details is subject to heavy penalties including jail, deportation and/or fines.

Work permits are vital if you decide to work in Thailand. A foreigner cannot practically purchase a car, sign any official or company documents, receive a salary or subscribe for a mobile phone line until a work permit is obtained.

Doing business in Thailand

The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) provides information on setting up and running a business in Thailand. Read about this in more detail in the Bangkok Guide 17th Edition.

The Move

Customs clearance

Once you have a work permit, your first shipment of personal effects (furniture, household items, books, CDs, clothing etc.) may be brought into Thailand duty free.

Relocation and storage companies

It is advisable to employ the services of a reputable international moving company in your home city.

Where to Live

Temporary accommodation - Lists are included in the Bangkok Guide 17th Edition.

• Hotels are a common form of temporary accommodation upon arrival.
• Serviced apartments are an alternative to hotels. These usually have at least one bedroom with a living room and kitchenette.

Long term accommodation

The types of accommodation available in Bangkok are diverse, and the areas expatriates live in are widespread. The Bangkok Guide 17th Edition offers a check list to assist you to make the correct decision for you.

Deciding where to live and the Lease

Ideas on things to consider which, in addition to your budget, may determine where you live and the type of accommodation you choose are included. Tax structures allow for the division of rental into two components: rental of premises and rental of furnishing and fixtures, the latter being exempt from tax.

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