Thai Diaries

Dilemmas of a Thirty Something in Thailand

Thailand is famed for gap year travellers and retirees, yet in recent years has become the home of a more people like me, the late twenties/early thirties guys (and gals) who’ve decided there is more to life than a desk job, saving for a pension and Saturday football. Either that or things simply weren’t working out…Read More

My Story Revealed: Why I Moved to Thailand

“Why did you move to Thailand?” I have been asked this question many times over the years. Like most people, I first came for a holiday. But I think my story is perhaps a little different than the average person’s, or not. You can be the judge of that. The fact is, it could’ve been…Read More

I get a lot of requests for recommendations on services related to living in Thailand. To make things easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of those I use below.

Health Insurance

I recommend getting a quote from Cigna for international Insurance, and then comparing that with local insurance premiums on Mr Prakan.

Learning Thai

Thaipod101 is the best way to learn Thai online. It's how I started learning. They have hundreds of video and audio lessons to help you start speaking Thai today. Start free here.

Sending Money

Wise is the cheapest and fastest way to send money to Thailand. I use it and so do many of my readers. Go here to get your first transfer free.

Bank Account

Need an international bank account that holds multiple currencies and lets you transfer, receive & spend wherever you are, with a MasterCard. I've used one for 4 years. Check out Wise.

Financial Planning

Whether you need life insurance, pension planning or other investment advice, I can connect you with my personal IFA. Simply fill out this form.

Travel

Hotels: Agoda offers good deals on hotels in Thailand. This is because they are located in the region and secure lots of special promotions. It's also worth trying Booking.com and Hotels.com for comparison.

Travel Insurance: World Nomads is great for trips to Thailand and elsewhere. I've used them for over 10 years. If you're from the UK/Europe you can also try True Traveller.

Over 70? Insure My Trip. has policies for those struggling to find travel insurance cover due to age restrictions.

Data Security

To keep your data secure you should use a VPN when using public WIFI and when accessing internet banking and other sensitive information online. I use both Vypr VPN and Nord VPN.