ASQ stands for Alternative State Quarantine. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you must currently go through a 14-day quarantine period when you arrive in Thailand. There is a list of approved ASQ hotels to choose from, which you must pay for. Being cooped up in a hotel for 2 weeks doesn’t sound much like a…Read More
The 90-Day Reporting Guide: Where, When & How
All long-stay Thai visas have a 90-day reporting requirement. This means that once you have entered Thailand and had your visa stamped, you will be required to report to an immigration office and produce some paperwork within 90 days of your stay. In this FAQ, I’ll run through exactly why you need to do this,…Read More
O-A Long-Stay Visa Guide: Benefits, Requirements, Reporting
The O-A visa is issued to those over 50 years old and provides a long-stay option in Thailand. It’s often referred to as a “retirement visa”. This visa is applied for in your home country, at a local Thai embassy or consulate. The application can usually be done by mail and takes a minimum of…Read More
Buying Car Insurance in Thailand – A Guide for Expats
If you’re thinking of driving a car in Thailand then you’ll need car insurance. Sure, you may have heard that some locals don’t take out a policy and get away with driving locally, but this is completely irresponsible and illegal. If you’re getting behind the wheel, you’ll need a policy. Thailand has a high volume…Read More
12 Romantic Thai Phrases for Long Distance Lovers
Having a partner in Thailand often means having a long distance relationship for many months at a time. And for those who meet a partner online, it is usually a long time before you actually get to meet in person. During that time apart, it’s a good idea to brush up on your Thai skills…Read More
The Lowdown on COVID-19 Travel Insurance & the Cheapest Policy
Despite the on-going COVID-19 situation, an increasing number of foreign nationals are being allowed back to Thailand. All those returning, however, are required to have a COVID-19 travel insurance policy, with protection of at least $100,000 USD (3.5 million THB). In this FAQ, I’ll cover all the commonly asked questions regarding the requirements and give…Read More
Buying Property in Thailand: A Straight-Talking Guide
“Didn’t you know that foreigners can’t buy land in Thailand”? “Why did you spend so much on a house”? We hear these questions way too much. Indeed, the web is littered with the same “I told you so” answers. So here’s my straight-talking guide to foreign property ownership in Thailand, and my two cents of…Read More
Income Tax in Thailand: Who Needs to Pay & How Much?
I have a few “working in Thailand” related posts on the blog, and I often get questions related to income tax. Specifically: How much tax does a foreigner have to pay on his/her earnings, and do others such as digital nomads, who are not currently paying tax in their country of origin, have to pay…Read More
How to Do the Perfect Thai Wai (to the Right Person at the Appropriate Time)
The Thai wai is not just a way of saying “hello” but a gesture of respect that represents the social status of the recipient. It is also used as an accompaniment to an apology, The wai is similar in culture to the Indian namaste and Burmese mingalaba, and is an integral part of organizing the complex…Read More
The Truth About Tipping in Thailand – Where, Why & How Much
Those who’ve been to the US know tipping is commonplace, an almost expected practice, whereas in the UK it’s common but not part of the fabric of society. When it comes to tipping in Thailand, it’s not so straight-forward. No doubt you’d like to tip something when you eat and drink out, but when and…Read More
100 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Thailand
Thailand is an interesting and colorful place. There’s never a dull moment, and that’s why so many flock here every year for a holiday, and why so many choose the kingdom as their home. But outside of Singha beer, Thai massage, and the words “Sa-waa-dee-khrup”, how much do you know about Thailand? Well, it’s time…Read More
Thai Culture: 12 Customs You Might Not Know
Thai culture can be a little strange to outsiders at times, and many Thai customs take some getting used to. From men not washing women’s underwear to it being bad luck to nap at 6pm, I’ve heard some weird and wonderful things, and not all of them understood by or even heard of by my…Read More
Where is the Best Area to Live in Bangkok? An Expat’s Guide
So you’ve decided to settle in the Big Mango. But where is the best area to live in Bangkok? I’ve lived in a number of areas in my many years here, and been to all corners of the city, so I have a pretty good take on what each area has to offer. In this…Read More
The Solo Female Travel Guide: Advice From an Experienced Journey Girl
You may be a little apprehensive about solo female travel. Taking off on your own to a distant land is a big deal. Whether it’s your first time going to Thailand or whether you’ve been before, it’s likely that family and friends are worrying you with stories they’ve read, or simply their own fears and…Read More