What Does ‘Farang’ Mean in Thai & Should I Be Offended?

Thais use the word “farang” to describe or reference white-skinned foreigners. In Thai the word is spelt ฝรั่ง. It is a contraction of the Thai word for French/France, ‘farangset‘, which dates back to French Indochina in the 17th Century. Language experts have deduced that the word is taken from the Persian word farangī (فرنگی), which…Read More

Lady Bars in Thailand: 7 Must-Read Tips for a Safe Night Out

It’s no secret that many are attracted to Thailand because of its nightlife, which is largely centered around bars. There are, of course, different types of bar in Thailand, ranging from wine bars and pub-like waterholes down to open-fronted bars teeming with scantily-clad hostesses. But the reality is that a large percentage of male tourists…Read More

Mai Pen Rai – What It Really Means & When to Use It

Mai pen rai is one of the most commonly used phrases in Thailand. But it isn’t just a phrase. It has a cultural significance that reflects an attitude to life, and, as we’ll discuss, it doesn’t always mean what us “foreigners” think it means. Don’t Worry, It’s Okay The most commonly understood meaning of mai…Read More

Minimum Wage in Thailand – For Foreigners & Thais

Did you know there is a minimum wage for foreign nationals working in Thailand? How much you get paid depends on your country of origin. Here’s how it works out: 60,000 Baht/month: Canada, Japan and the United States of America 50,000 Baht/month: Europe (including the United Kingdom) and Australia 45,000 Baht/month: Hong Kong, Malaysia, South…Read More

Jai Yen Yen – What Does It Really Mean?

Jai Yen Yen (Jai Yen) is a phrase you’ve probably heard if you’ve been in Thailand for any significant period of time. Jai Yen translates to English as “cool heart”. When a person says “Jai Yen Yen” to you, they are telling you to keep cool, to calm down, to not get angry and stressed…Read More

The Long Term Resident Visa (LTR) Guide

The LTR (Long-Term Resident) visa has been designed by the Board Of Investment (BOI) to attract high-potential foreign nationals to relocate to Thailand. The idea behind the scheme is to stimulate the economy with overseas investment and bring some much-needed post-pandemic cash to the Kingdom. The government has its eye on 1 million foreign nationals…Read More

Thailand Travel Restrictions – Latest Information

Updated as of Oct 2022. Travelers the world over are keen to find out how they can travel to Thailand in 2022/23 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 your trip. Can I Travel to Thailand…Read More

Cheapest Way to Transfer Money Out of Thailand

The options for transferring money out of Thailand are fairly limited, but with modern banking technology slowly catching up in Thailand, it’s becoming much easier. Once you understand the fees involved and the time it takes for each method, you can make a decision on what’s best for you. In this post, I’ll give you…Read More

How to Get a Thailand Education Visa & What You Can Study

If you want to study in Thailand you will need an education visa, officially known as a Non-Immigrant O Visa (ED). This visa applies to those studying at university, learning Thai at a language centre, training to become a Buddhist monk, interning at a company, or attending a training or university course. While there are…Read More

An Easy Guide to Visa Exemption Stamp Rules

The visa exemption rule enables you to enter Thailand without needing to apply for a visa at a local Thai embassy or consulate. Thailand has an agreement with 64 countries that facilitates visa-free travel for tourist visitors. In this guide I will run through the entry requirements to help you ensure you are compliant for…Read More

Thailand Weather: A Guide to Seasons, Rainfall & Temperature

Thailand has very different weather patterns to the western world. Seasonal changes can vary in different regions of the country and can be quite intense. Monsoon rains that often cause flooding follow long hot dry spells with high humidity. There’s even a so-called “cool season”. In short, it’s important to check the weather before booking…Read More

The 6 Best TEFL Courses to Teach in Thailand in Thailand

Thinking about teaching English in Thailand? It’s a great choice, but first you’ll need a TEFL Certificate, as the Ministry of Education requires this. The good news is that you can take your TEFL in Thailand, or online. In this post, I’ll use my experience to help you understand exactly what it’s like being a…Read More

15 Job Options for Foreigners Seeking Work in Thailand

Not a week goes past without an email landing in my inbox asking me about jobs in Thailand for expats. Now, there are lots of articles online talking about visas, work permits and how employment works in Thailand, but very few provide solid advice for actual jobs and career pathways. So, in this post, I’ll…Read More

Thai Culture: 15 Customs You Should Know

Culture shock isn’t unusual for those new to Thailand, but it’s all part of the experience of traveling / living in another country. Customs may differ from region to region, too, and on your travels up and down the country you are likely to come across many different traditions, beliefs, and superstitions. However, the customs…Read More

15 Thai Love Phrases You Can Learn in 3 Minutes

If you’re chatting with a Thai woman, or man, online, on the phone, or in person, these Thai love phrases will help you bring a romantic element to your communication. To make things really easy for you, I’ve included the phrase written in Thai, so you can copy and paste into a chat app or…Read More

The Thailand SMART Visa – A Guide to Eligibility & Benefits

The SMART Visa is a Board Of Investment (BOI) initiative to boost Thailand’s economy through innovation. The aim is to attract highly qualified individuals in specific areas of industry, to help the country grow through new talent and technology. In this post, we’ll take at deep dive on the SMART Visa categories and their eligibility…Read More