One standout cultural difference between Thailand and the West is 'names'.If you have spent time in Thailand you will have noticed that some Thai names are often quite long (longer is considered more prestigious), that most people don't use their … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Guide to International Health Insurance: Considerations, Companies, Policies & Pricing
The table below provides a snapshot of the cover available from the top 6 international medical insurers.Please bear in mind that the type of cover, level of cover and excess is dependent on the plan and the option.Clicking on 'get a quote' … [Read more...]
How to Do the Perfect Thai Wai (to the Right Person at the Appropriate Time)
The Thai wai is not just a greeting or way of saying "hello", but a gesture of respect that represents the social status of the recipient. The wai is an integral part of organising the complex social hierarchy that binds Thai society together. It … [Read more...]
How to Make Money Importing Goods From Thailand: 7 Golden Rules for Success
Thailand is a great country to source products, be it clothes, handicrafts, or food items.With so many markets and goods way cheaper than back home, at some point in time the thought of importing products from Thailand to your home country … [Read more...]
Planning Your Trip to James Bond Island – Koh Tapu / Koh Phing Khan
“Mr Bond, bullets do not kill. It is the finger that pulls the trigger.”Familiar?If so, there are two possibilities: you’re a baby boomer or generation X, or you’ve sat in front of the TV with your dad and seen the 1974 James Bond classic … [Read more...]
The Thai Marriage Visa Guide
So you just got married, or you are considering getting married and wondering what the benefits will be in terms of your visa situation.I often get enquiries as to whether marrying a Thai national entitles a person to citizenship, or some sort of … [Read more...]
A Quick-Fire Guide to the TM30 Form: Reporting Your Stay
The TM30 form is an immigration requirement. The law governing this form aims to ensure transparency in the accommodation details of foreigners staying in Thailand.It must be completed by the landlord of a property to report the stay of guests … [Read more...]
A Straight-Talking Guide to Visa Exemption Stamp Rules
In the past week I have heard from two people who have been refused entry into Thailand at a border crossing. The reason given by the immigration officer was having too many in/out border runs.This can be a distressing situation, particularly if … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Get From Bangkok to Hua Hin (You Choose)
Hua Hin lies approximately 90 miles south of Bangkok.Due to the relatively short distance from the capital, and good transport connections, Hua Hin is a very popular weekend getaway for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the … [Read more...]
Wat Arun: A Complete Guide to the ‘The Temple of Dawn’
Wat Arun is a famous Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Commonly known as 'The Temple of Dawn', it was built in the 17th century and named after the Hindu God Aruna.The distinctive spires or pagodas (called 'prang') were built in the early 19th century … [Read more...]
Am I Too Old to Teach in Thailand? 4 Options for Mature Teachers
Teaching is the most popular job for expats in Thailand. It's popular because there is always an abundance of teaching jobs available, and because it is a quick and easy way to get into employment for those looking to stay long-term.When one … [Read more...]