This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can you move to Thailand without ever visiting first?

Sep 8, 2025
a day ago
Kim ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My husband and I are considering moving to Thailand, but we have never been. Has anyone successfully left the US and moved to Thailand without ever visiting? Please share your experience
3,998
views
17
likes
90
all likes
17
replies
2
images
11
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the experiences and advice from individuals regarding moving to Thailand without prior visits. Key points include the importance of obtaining the right visa to live long-term, suggestions to visit Thailand beforehand to get a feel for different regions and culture, and recommendations for maintaining financial stability through remote work. Many emphasize having a fallback plan, such as retaining a residence in the US, while others express caution about making such a significant move without firsthand experience.
Ariella ******
That’s a bold move & if you do it you’ll definitely have a story to tell!

Look into visas… the DTV is pretty doable if you have some savings and some remote income!
Mahmood *********
Only waist money

From which country do you live?
Sasi ************
@Mahmood ********
It’s on the third lines that the OP stated she is from and, yet you asked where’s she from!!?🧐
Avery ********
Get a DTV visa from america first before you come. Best advice I could give :)
Kim ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
That’s next trying to maneuver getting visas, banking, and location
Kim **********
Most like Thailand. It’s an amazing place but… I can’t imagine putting my eggs in a basket I’ve never seen. That said, rent your place out… see if you can work remotely. Don’t burn bridges etc.
Kim ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kim *********
thank you, but I will be retiring as a teacher, so my plan is to not have to work. Just like you advised, many say don’t just pick up and move without testing the waters
Kim **********
@Kim *******
oh you can pick up and move, but might wanna hold off on selling the house or the car or whatever. I’m renting out my house, a friend of mine has my car, I resigned my job and took a new one, but I could get my old job back if I come back and I want it. My kids went to public school at home so if we come back, they’ll get right back in where they left off.
Todd *********
@Kim *******
Agree that many say 'don't do it'... but i absolutely say 'just do it'. People WAY overcomplicate things. And it's a fabulous place to live. Which is evident from the second your plane lands. All in all, don't get wrapped up in the minutiae and details that completely derail or delay people. Just get on a plane with a one way ticket. You will LOVE it. And what a great experience
Sasi ************
@Kim *******
As for the place to live , Ive posted this , let me know if you’re interested or want more information regarding Thailand, I’ll be more than happy to shared.

Note to admin; if it’s not allowed please take it down , thanks. No intention of breaking the rules.
Chuck **********
Don’t think you would want to do that! Check it out a few times and see different areas and learn some of their culture to see if it’s for you. Much different from the USA.
Dennis *********
@Chuck *********
hence the attraction!
Sasi ************
Being a Thai I can’t say much about visa but as a Thai living in The USA for most of my career life, I think you’d be fine living in Thailand.

I go from CA to PA, FL and now TX. The way of life in Thailand is much smoother/enjoyable .

With proper visas you’d do just fine there.

I’m planning on retiring with 2-3 years or sooner.
Kim ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Brandon ************
My first trip to Thailand I stayed for a year, as was my plan. I had already laid out my timeline of booking a hotel for xx weeks, finding a condo to lease, etc.

But I still had everything back home including my house, my car etc so I had a fallback plan if things didn't work out. Without that, I don't think I would have picked up my entire life and moved everything. It's easy to test drive Thailand because it's very easy to find somewhere to rent, fully furnished. If you end up not liking it, the most you are out is your 2 months deposit.

The biggest issue is visa. Do you have a visa or plans for obtaining one that will allow you to "move" to Thailand and remain long-term? That can be the biggest hurdle that you need to figure out.
Nongnuch ********
don't overestimate yourself. come for a three-months holiday, travel around from the North to the Central to the South. Keep in mind from May thru September the weather is hot and humid
David **********
If you can make money online do it. Just make sure you’re able to get the proper visas you need because you just can’t move to Thailand
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else