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
The Tabien Baan (Yellow Book) Guide for Expats in Thailand
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
The Thailand Pass Guide – Your Questions Answered
Thailand has a new system for entering the country called the Thailand Pass. It is a free, web-based system that manages your entry to Thailand. Regardless of your visa status or nationality (except Thais), you will need a Pass. The Pass is required for both air and land border entry. The requirements for entry to…Read More
A Guide to Social Security Benefits for Expats in Thailand
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
Thai Credit Card Guide: Requirements & Benefits for Expats
You don’t need a Thai credit card to live in Thailand; there’s plenty of others ways to pay for goods and services. However, depending on your situation, it may be something you want to consider. Perhaps the biggest benefit of a credit card is reducing the cost of foreign currency surcharges. And then there’s perks…Read More
Retirement Homes in Thailand: A Senior’s Guide
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
Learn to Count in Thai: From Zero to 1 Million! Includes Translations
Whether you’re paying for a train ticket, haggling over a price in the local market, or dissecting the menu prices at a local restaurant, knowing your Thai numbers is very useful. In my opinion it’s one of the easiest aspects of the Thai language to learn, largely because you hear numbers being spoken in so…Read More
How to Pay U.S. Taxes From Thailand: An Expat’s Guide
The USA has strict filing requirements for Americans living abroad. If you earn some form of income, whether from inside or outside the U.S., The likelihood is that as a US citizen you will need to file a tax return. Tax is rarely interesting or exciting, unless you’re getting a rebate, but it’s important to…Read More