The Tabien Baan (Yellow Book) Guide for Expats in Thailand

A Tabien Baan is a house document, which translates literally as ‘House Registration’ in Thai. The type of document relevant to foreign nationals is the yellow book Tabien Baan (ท.ร.13, Thor Ror 13). This house registration book contains the details of all foreign nationals registered as living at the address (as their primary residence). The…Read More

The Thailand Pass – Your Questions Answered

Thailand has a new system for entering the country called the Thailand Pass. It is a free, web-based system that manages your entry to Thailand. The pass is required when you enter by air. Regardless of your visa status or nationality, you will need a pass. Thailand Pass Categories The pass contains three categories, from…Read More

A Guide to Social Security Benefits for Expats in Thailand

You might be surprised to learn that working in Thailand grants you access to the social security system. Once you have your work permit and start working, your employer will register you for medical and employment benefits in return. In this article I’ll cover everything you need to know, including the different types of social…Read More

Thai Credit Card Guide: Requirements & Benefits for Expats

You don’t need a Thai credit card to live in Thailand; there’s plenty of others ways to pay for goods and services. However, depending on your situation, it may be something you want to consider. Perhaps the biggest benefit of a credit card is reducing the cost of foreign currency surcharges. And then there’s perks…Read More

Retirement Homes in Thailand: A Senior’s Guide

If you’re planning on retiring in Thailand, or have already done so, you may occasionally wonder what you would do if you were unable to safely care for yourself anymore. When we hit 75, 80, or even a ripe 90, poor health can get the better of us and make everyday tasks quite challenging, which…Read More

How to Pay U.S. Taxes From Thailand: An Expat’s Guide

The USA has strict filing requirements for Americans living abroad. If you earn some form of income, whether from inside or outside the U.S., The likelihood is that as a US citizen you will need to file a tax return. Tax is rarely interesting or exciting, unless you’re getting a rebate, but it’s important to…Read More

How to Get a Residence Certificate in Thailand

A residence certificate provides proof of your permanent or semi-permanent address in Thailand. There are a number of reasons you might need one, such as when buying a car or motorbike or when applying for a driver’s license. Some banks may require one to open an account, too. So the question is: how do you…Read More

Thailand Travel Restrictions – Up to Date Information

Travelers the world over are keen to find out when and how they can travel to Thailand in 2021. The good news is that things are opening up here. In this guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know about the current Thailand Travel Restrictions and what you need to do to prepare for…Read More

How to Get the Best Exchange Rates in Thailand

Whether traveling on a holiday or making a more permanent move, you’ll want to know where to get the best exchange rates in Thailand. Over time, a good exchange rate can amount to big savings, which is money you can use to enjoy yourself or invest for a rainy day. When planning your trip, you’ll…Read More

Hospitals in Thailand – An Expat’s Guide to Healthcare

If you stay in Thailand long enough you’ll eventually end up visiting a hospital for one reason or another. My first time was with a friend who fell off a motorbike; my second when I contracted flu, and my third was when my wife had our daughter. It sucks to get sick, but the upside…Read More

The Lowdown on COVID-19 Travel Insurance & the Cheapest Policy

Vaccinated travelers are now allowed to visit Thailand freely, without the need to quarantine. However, visitors are required to have a COVID-19 travel insurance policy, with protection of at least $50,000 USD (1.75 million THB). In this FAQ, I’ll cover all the commonly asked questions regarding the requirements and give you all the information you…Read More

A Guide to the New Mandatory Health Insurance Rules for Retirees

If you’ve got questions about the mandatory retirement visa health insurance requirement (O-A visa), this FAQ will answer those questions, and much more. Please also note that as of late 2021, the requirement has been extended (in some countries) to those applying for a Non Immigrant O Visa too. More on that later on. In…Read More

Thailand Visa Overstay Guide : Rules, Fines, Deportation, Bans

If you’re new to Thailand then you probably don’t know too much about overstaying your visa. If you’ve made a few trips back-and-forth already, you may have heard the term but probably aren’t familiar with the rules. Either way, it’s something every visitor should familiarise themselves with. In this post I give you a full…Read More

Did It Really Snow in Thailand in 1955? (The Truth Revealed)

As parts of the Western world head into winter and the cold weather sets in, there’s one thing on everyone’s minds: Will it snow this year? Unsurprisingly, except for a few chilly mornings in the North, there’s no sign of snow in Thailand, yet! I’ll bet my house it won’t happen, but… According to Thailand’s…Read More