FAQs about Thailand

Thailand is known for its white-sand beaches, delicious foods, and friendly people. Tourists and expats alike flock to the country for these reasons, but expats deciding to permanently reside in the land of smiles may have a couple of queries that need answering before they can comfortably jump into their new lives. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about expat life in Thailand.

How safe is Thailand?

Thailand is generally a safe country. Most criminal activity is opportunistic. Pickpocketing occurs in busy tourist areas, and scammers regularly target unsuspecting new arrivals.  

That said, the southern provinces have been known to be politically volatile areas and should be avoided. The roads in Thailand can also be dangerous, and drink-driving is an ongoing issue. Expats should avoid driving motorcycles and scooters in Thailand if they are inexperienced, as drivers in Thailand tend to ignore road rules.

Where can I meet other expats?

There are many social clubs for expats in Thailand. Bars and work social events may be other areas to meet new people. Many expats may find joining a sports league a fun way to interact with both locals and expats. 

What is the climate in Thailand like?

There are three major seasons in Thailand. There is a dry, cool season favoured by tourists from November to February, the hot season from March to June, and the rainy season for the rest of the year. These seasonal changes bring the monsoon rains and significant increases in humidity in different parts of the country.

The weather in Thailand tends to be hot and humid year-round. Along the coastline of the gulf, the climate is generally warm and pleasant for certain parts of the year and may be less humid than areas in the north of the country. The north, however, has a much cooler period during the dry season. 

How is the public transport system in Thailand? Do I need a car?

In larger cities like Bangkok, public transport is cheap, effective and plentiful. In smaller towns, there are fewer forms of public transport, but it’s still relatively easy to get around. There are a variety of options ranging from buses and trains to tuk-tuks. In most cases, expats don’t need to have cars.

How is the healthcare in Thailand?

Healthcare in Thailand is relatively well-priced and of a high standard. In larger cities, the healthcare facilities are modern and specialist care is available. Thailand is fast becoming popular among medical tourists for these reasons. Healthcare in smaller cities and rural provinces may be lower quality, and general practitioners also tend to be more challenging to find.