Expats

Thailand expat news, visas, work permits, property, and healthcare—stay informed with essential updates and insights for foreign residents. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for expat news in Thailand.

  • Sponsored

    5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)

    Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...

  • British and Australian expats and tourists ponder the Thai baht

    British and Australian expats and tourists ponder the Thai baht

    The British pound continues to sag against the strong Thai Baht. And things are predicted to worsen for British tourists and local expats relying on funds out of the UK, as analysts predict the GBP to drop further as the date approaches for a ‘no deal’ Brexit and the Thai Baht continues to surge. As of 11.30am Thai time, the…

  • Expat group petitions Thai immigration to abolish TM30 form

    Expat group petitions Thai immigration to abolish TM30 form

    A group of expats, representing foreigners living in Thailand for many years, has prepared a petition for affected expats to sign, before they present it to Thai Immigration and government officials. They are requesting changes to the enforcement of the controversial TM30 form. There is a link to their website at the bottom of the page where you can sign the…

  • Zambian arrested on overstay and animal cruelty charges in Samut Prakhan

    Zambian arrested on overstay and animal cruelty charges in Samut Prakhan

    PHOTO: khaosod.co.th Thai immigration police have arrested a Zambian man for an alleged overstay and committing acts of cruelty following a Facebook post that sought help for the dog. The Nation reports that 27 year old Wachisa Sikwese has been arrested by Immigration police. They reported that Sikwese was arrested shortly after Watchdog Thailand spotted a Facebook post that sought help…

  • Thailand keeping track of foreigners – the TM30 reporting form

    Thailand keeping track of foreigners – the TM30 reporting form

    The TM30 reporting procedure is a Thai immigration requirement. The form is designed to assist keeping track of foreigners – tourists and expats – whilst in Thailand. It must be completed by the owner or landlord to report the stay of guests within 24 hours of their arrival. As with many things in Thailand the enforcement will not be uniformly applied…

  • Thais fined for failing to report resident foreigners within 24 hours

    Thais fined for failing to report resident foreigners within 24 hours

    PHOTO: Naew Na More Thai nationals have been charged and fined for failing to report foreigners who were staying at their accommodations within 24 hours of checking in. The article didn’t specify if they were guest house proprietors, landlords or hotels owners. In any case, someone must register if foreigners are staying at their establishments within 24 hours of check-in. 23 year…

  • Fewer Nordic expats renewing their visas to stay in Thailand

    Fewer Nordic expats renewing their visas to stay in Thailand

    by Gregers Møller Website ScandAsia.com and writer Gregers Møller reports that nordic expats – business people, on retirement or family-based Thai visas, renewing their visas this year – has dropped by around 10% this year. He reports “This is the first decline in 12 years. If the trend continues, there will only be 861 Nordic people on a business visa left…

  • Blacklisted Chinese and Bangladeshi arrested in Phuket

    Blacklisted Chinese and Bangladeshi arrested in Phuket

    A blacklisted Chinese and Bangladeshi man have been arrested in Phuket. The Chinese man, Xie Daijiang, whose former name was Xie Dajiang, was arrested for using fake documents 6 years ago. He has been blacklisted to re-enter Thailand for 100 years. He had merely changed his name by adding the letter ‘i’ before submitting for his new passport. After that…

  • 478 mostly-illegal foreigners rounded up in immigration raid

    478 mostly-illegal foreigners rounded up in immigration raid

    FILE PHOTO – One of the regular round-up of illegal foreigners Police have netted another 478 mostly-illegal foreigners during surprise raids in more than 200 locations around Thailand yesterday (Wednesday) – most illegal immigrants. The assistant national police chief cited the 34th ASEAN Summit being held in Bangkok (that started today) as part of the security crackdown. Police and immigration…

  • New Zealand expat found dead in Chiang Mai condo

    New Zealand expat found dead in Chiang Mai condo

    PHOTO: Galare Thong Condominium – Google An elderly New Zealand expat has been found dead in a condo in Chiang Mai last night (Sunday). Police from the Muang Chiang Mai police station said the body of 79 year old Warwick Ernest Purser was found in a pool of blood beside his bed in a room on the 12th floor of…

  • British Hua Hin bar owner overstays visa by eight years

    British Hua Hin bar owner overstays visa by eight years

    Prachuap Khiri Khan immigration officials have arrested a 50 year old British expat, Michael Gary Doyle. His passport expired in 2011 and he’d overstayed his welcome for 2,917 days since June of that year. He was arrested at his house in Phoonsuk Road, Hua Hin. Banmuang reports that Mr. Doyle was the owner/operator of a beer bar in Hua Hin and…

  • Bangkok and Singapore jump in rankings for world living costs

    Bangkok and Singapore jump in rankings for world living costs

    Bangkok is now the 63rd most expensive location in a new cost of living survey for expats. Singapore has experienced a big rise in the rankings, becoming the 12th most expensive location in the world for expatriates. Lee Quane, regional director for Asia at ECA International says that Bangkok has risen 100 places in just the last five years. “We have…

  • Visa run to Penang – a personal experience in Thailand (2019)

    Visa run to Penang – a personal experience in Thailand (2019)

    This story was one person’s experience of the visa process in Penang. It should not be regarded as ‘typical’ or even used as a guide. But we provide Jim’s journey as warning to do your homework before embarking on getting or renewing your visa. Be aware that this seemingly simple trip to the former ‘Pearl of the Orient’ in Malaysia…