Yes, it’s true. There is an ID card for foreigners. And best of all, it’s pink! Having this little known form of identification means you don’t have to carry your passport around with you to prove who you are, even though most people don’t do that anyway, despite it being a legal requirement. For the…Read More

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

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

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

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

Most people who visit Koh Samui fall for its charm. I certainly did, so much so that I moved to the island and lived there for over a year. Some argue that due to development Samui has lost the island authenticity it had 20-30 years ago. But that’s life…nothing remains the same. And for those…Read More

How to become a Thai citizen is a question I’m regularly asked. People with plans for retirement wonder if they might be awarded citizenship after a number of years living in Thailand, and what the process is to achieve this status. The reality is that it’s not an easy process, and one most expats give…Read More

A recent study carried out by NetCredit estimated that a person needs approximately $390,000 (US) to retire in Thailand. The study covered most countries of the world, with the goal of estimating the cost of retirement based on the equivalent quality of life you’d enjoy back home. The research was based on the following lifestyle…Read More