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Thailand

Discover the unique culture, demographics, and society of Thailand.

The Story

Overview

A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-13th century. Following a bloodless revolution in 1932, it became a constitutional monarchy. Since 2005, Thailand has experienced several rounds of political turmoil, including military coups and major street protests. The country maintains an upper middle-income economy with substantial infrastructure and is a major electronics and automobile parts exporter.

Immigration Guide

Living in Thailand

Explore the various visa and residency options available for living in Thailand. From retirement visas to digital nomad programs, discover the pathways to making Thailand your new home.

Retirement
Digital Nomad
Investment
Easy Residency
Permanent
Citizenship (Limited)
Working
Student
Family

Lifestyle & Retirement

Options for those seeking a change in lifestyle, whether retiring or working remotely.

Retirement

Perfect for retirees looking to spend their golden years abroad. This visa is designed for those who can demonstrate retirement income or pension.

Status in Thailand: Fully available. This is an established visa pathway in Thailand.

Digital Nomad

Ideal for remote workers and digital professionals who want to live in the country while working for overseas companies.

Status in Thailand: Fully available. This is an established visa pathway in Thailand.

Investment & Business

Pathways for those looking to invest or work in the country.

Investment

For those interested in making a significant financial investment in the country, such as purchasing property or starting a business.

Status in Thailand: Fully available. This is an established visa pathway in Thailand.

Working

Permits you to work locally in the country, either for a specific employer or in general.

Status in Thailand: Fully available. This is an established visa pathway in Thailand.

Long-term Residency

Options for those seeking to establish permanent roots.

Easy Residency

A straightforward path to residency with simplified requirements and processes.

Status in Thailand: Fully available. This is an established visa pathway in Thailand.

Permanent

Long-term residency rights that allow you to live in the country indefinitely.

Status in Thailand: Fully available. This is an established visa pathway in Thailand.

Citizenship

Limited Availability

The opportunity to become a full citizen of the country, often after meeting specific residency requirements.

Status in Thailand: Available with some restrictions. We recommend consulting with an immigration lawyer for the latest details.

Additional Options

Other pathways including education and family reunion.

Student

Designed for those pursuing education at local institutions.

Status in Thailand: Fully available. This is an established visa pathway in Thailand.

Family

Options for bringing family members or joining relatives already in the country.

Status in Thailand: Fully available. This is an established visa pathway in Thailand.

Note: Immigration policies can change. Always consult with the Thailand embassy or a qualified immigration lawyer for the most current information and personalized advice.

The Land

Geography

Area

Total513,120 sq km
Land510,890 sq km
Water2,230 sq km

Climate

Tropical with rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid

Natural Resources

tinrubbernatural gastungstentantalumtimberleadfishgypsumlignitefluoritearable land

Leadership

Government

Government Type

constitutional monarchy

Capital

Bangkok

Executive Branch

Chief of State

King WACHIRALONGKON(since 2016-12-01)

Head of Government

Prime Minister PHAETHONGTHAN Chinnawat(since 2024-08-18)

Demographics

People and Society

Population

69,920,998 total residents

Ethnic Groups

Thai
97.5%
Burmese
1.3%
Other
1.1%
Unspecified
0.1%

Languages

Thai, Burmese, Other

Religions

Buddhist
92.5%
Muslim
5.4%
Christian
1.2%
Other
0.9%

Population Growth

0.17% annual growth rate (2024 est.)

Your American Community in Thailand

Explore

Cities in Thailand

Safety First

Travel Safety & Requirements

US State Department Travel Advisory

Exercise normal precautions in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk.

View Current Travel Advisories →

Passport/Visa Requirements

Please consult the U.S. State Department for current visa requirements

Check Requirements →

US Embassy/Consulate

Phone: [66] (2) 205-4000

Address: 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended. Consider hepatitis A, B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis depending on activities.

Learn More at WHO →

Getting Started

Helpful Things to Know

In Case You Need Help

Emergency Number to Call

191

Country Phone Code

+66

Local Money

Baht (THB)

What Time Is It?

UTC+7

Plugging In Your Devices

Power Voltage: 230

Power Frequency: 50

Power Plug Types You'll Need: A, B, C, O

About the Water

Bottled water recommended

Local Knowledge

Travel Tips & Culture

Driving

Suggested

Drive on the Left side of the road

Cultural Practices

The head is considered the sacred part of the body and not to be touched without permission.

Tipping Guidelines

Restaurants

10% if no service charge, otherwise loose change

Bars

20-40 baht per drink

Tour Guides

200-300 baht per day

Taxis

Round up to nearest bill

Hotels

20-50 baht per service

Experience

Tourist Information

Popular Destinations

Bangkok Grand PalaceWat Phra KaewWat PhoPrasart MuseumRailay BeachKoh Phi PhiSunday Walking StreetKhao Yai National ParkBan ChiangChang Mai

Traditional Cuisine

Pad Thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, fish sauce, dried shrimp, tamarind pulp, bean sprouts, peanuts, and tofu

Major Sports

Muay thaiSoccerBadmintonGolfTennis

Popular Souvenirs

Buddha statuesSilk harem pantsFabric itemsHill Tribe bagsSpicesSauces