Thailand, with its idyllic beaches and its rich culture, draws a great many expatriates every year. For anyone coming from Réunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, the decision to settle in Thailand can feel exciting and daunting in equal measure. Here is a detailed guide to make the transition easier.
Why choose Thailand
Choosing Thailand as the place to move to has several advantages. The country is renowned for its low cost of living as much as for its exceptional quality of life and its cultural diversity.
The tropical climate, the modern infrastructure — particularly in the big cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai — and the kindness of local people make it a sought-after destination for Réunionnais looking to settle abroad.
The cost of living in Thailand
Compared with Réunion, the cost of living in Thailand is relatively low. Everyday expenses such as housing, food and transport are far cheaper. It is worth noting, though, that living standards can vary a great deal between urban and rural areas.
As a rule, living in a city such as Bangkok will cost more than in a less developed region. For example:
- Average monthly outgoings (housing, internet and utilities included): €1,000 – €1,500
- A meal in a local restaurant: €1 – €3
- Monthly public transport: €20 – €30
The paperwork of moving to Thailand
The paperwork can be a real challenge for newcomers. Doing your homework before you leave is essential if settling in is to go smoothly.
Getting a visa
French nationals do not need a visa for a tourist stay — 60 days since July 2024, a limit worth checking again before every departure. If you are planning to stay longer, or to work in Thailand, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.
Several types of visa exist, depending on what you need:
- Tourist visa — valid for 60 days, renewable once.
- Non-Immigrant B visa — required in order to work in Thailand, and normally issued on the back of a job offer.
- Non-Immigrant O-A visa — ideal for retirees over 50.
Work permit and passport
To work legally in Thailand, on top of the right visa, you need to obtain a work permit. The document is issued by the Thai Ministry of Labour and often requires your employer to be present for the formalities to be completed.
Do not forget to check your passport before you travel. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of arrival in Thailand.
Quality of life in Thailand
The quality of life in Thailand varies with location, with the lifestyle you choose and with your own expectations. It is generally rated highly, thanks to affordable costs and the cultural wealth of the country.
Health and safety
Thailand has a good healthcare system, with a great many public and private hospitals. Medical care is generally of a high standard and costs are reasonable compared with Réunion.
Even so, it is advisable to take out international health insurance — through the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger, France's voluntary overseas social-security fund, or through a private insurer — to cover any large medical bills.
Housing and transport
On the housing side, the options range widely, from modern flats in the city centres to traditional houses out in rural areas. The property market is open to foreign buyers too, so finding a comfortable home need not be difficult.
Public transport in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, includes the metro, buses, taxis and tuk-tuks. Traffic can be heavy, especially at peak times, but public transport remains affordable and convenient.
The cultural and social side
Fitting into Thai culture can be a rewarding experience. The warmth and hospitality of Thai people make adapting far easier.
Language and communication
Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist and business areas. Picking up some basic Thai will also help you fit in and communicate effectively with local people.
Festivals and traditions
Thailand celebrates a great many festivals throughout the year. Songkran, the Thai New Year, added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in 2023, and Loy Krathong, the festival of floating baskets, are among the best known.
Taking part in these celebrations is not only a way of discovering Thai culture but also of building ties with local residents.
Moving abroad and finding your community
Joining expatriate communities can make adapting to life in Thailand a great deal easier. Online forums and social networks bring together assorted expatriate groups sharing experiences and practical advice.
The French Embassy in Thailand
The French Embassy in Bangkok is an important point of contact for every French national living in Thailand. It provides various forms of assistance, including consular services and safety information.
Two honorary consuls — France's local consular representatives — are also based in Pattaya and in Phuket, adding further points of contact for the French nationals spread across these popular regions.
French-speaking groups and international activities
Several French-speaking associations run regular events, which are good opportunities to meet people and to network. These often include sporting fixtures, dinner evenings and cultural outings.
Becoming part of these groups can make the move abroad more enjoyable and provide valuable moral support far from home.
Planning a successful move
Good planning is essential to making a success of a move to Thailand. Work out exactly what you need, look into the logistics, and prepare yourself financially and emotionally for a big change.
Keeping up with local rules and regulations, particularly on visas and the work permit, is essential if you want to avoid nasty surprises. Finally, keeping an open mind about new experiences will help make the adventure a success, personally as well as professionally.
