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Answered4 months ago

What should I know before moving to Thailand for a year as an expat?

Zen *********
asked Jun 12, 2026
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Hi, all, new here and very interested in spending the next year in Thailand. I’m going to visit first to check out some properties and see if it’s a great fit but I’m green. I’m learning as I go- Visa type, the whole 9. Any advice?
Answer summary
A user is seeking advice on relocating to Thailand for a year, specifically regarding visas and property. Community members suggest visiting various regions in Thailand before making any property purchases, emphasizing the importance of experiencing local life and understanding the legalities for foreigners regarding property ownership. They recommend starting with renting, as there are many furnished apartments available, and taking the time to find the right location that fits one's lifestyle.
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Bennett ********
Bennett ********
Agree with others - if planning to buy, rent first. Unlike western countries, there are tons of available condos for rent, fully furnished. There is a glut, people are not lining up to rent or buy properties, no bidding wars. It's not competitive. Once you decide on a location that suits you, you can sign a lease & move right in.
Steven ***************
Steven ***************
Pay attention to what Robert Merrell posted. Do Not even consider buying anything here until you have spent several weeks or months in the different areas. City, country, North, South, Gulf coasts, all very different. Weather, lifestyle, cost, all different. Take your time, come visit, learn, plenty of short term rentals available while you travel around exploring and learning. Talk to both ex-pats and local Thais, when it is time to make the permanent move make sure you fully understand what a foreigner can and can't buy or long term lease.
Robert *********
Robert *********
If you mean buy a property...under no circumstances buy anything g till you have spent 1 to 2 years in thai .

Youbwill already it compared to home and what you want will change .

Hopefully you are not even considering anything but a condo

DO NOT BUY ( you can not no matter what they tell you )

Spend at least a month in 4 different places ....
Luc ************
Luc ************
Never been here before? Come a few times on holiday in different areas and see if Thai life is good for you.
Robert **********
Robert **********
When may you be coming back.
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
Come spend 3 months here

Travel north to south

Find somewhere that suits

Then work on long term

- Visa

- health insurance

- living expenses
Zen *********
Zen *********
OP
Ant W Tailor thanks. I’ve got insurance and income covered. Definitely need to work on Visa
Zen *********
Zen *********
OP
Thanks
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
My advice is to checkout lifestyle before looking at properties
Tom ******
Tom ******
Looks great but living in a townhouse in Thailand is fraught with all kinds of problems. You’ll find out!
Steve *****
Steve *****
Steve *****
Steve *****
Steve *****
Steve *****
Steve *****
Steve *****
We bought a typical townhouse in the Watket area. That is a looked after area because there are 2 privat schools, a hospital, train station and much more. A public pool, a dedicated running lane for people to exercise.

We are renovating the house to a very nice style, all new painted, all new spc floors, all new toilets and wash basins, new big shower and of course a nice kitchen with 4 burner stove and oven. Every mm2 in the house is new. A nice new king size bed with a good mattress. Beautiful!

The rental price is 17.500 including high speed internet.

It is not ready jet but I can give photos in congress if you like. We expect the renovations will be ready second week of June.

We bought a typical townhouse in the Watket area. That is a looked after area because there are 2 privat schools, a hospital, train station and much more. A public pool, a dedicated running lane for people to exercise.

We are renovating the house to a very nice style, all new painted, all new spc floors, all new toilets and wash basins, new big shower and of course a nice kitchen with 4 burner stove and oven. Every mm2 in the house is new. A nice new king size bed with a good mattress. Beautiful!

The rental price is 17.500 including high speed internet.

It is not ready jet but I can give photos in congress if you like. We expect the renovations will be ready second week of June.
Steve *****
Steve *****
Steve *****
Steve *****
Braulio *********
Braulio *********
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