Many professionals sent to Thailand for work initially see it as a short-term overseas experience—something to try for a few years before returning home. However, some expats end up staying much longer. Why? They grow accustomed to the higher expat salary, enjoy the slower pace of life, and appreciate the comfortable working environment. For these individuals, settling down and building a long-term future in Thailand becomes a real option.
Table of Contents
Planning for long-term residence in Thailand requires careful thought across various areas—career prospects, living environment, lifestyle needs, and more. A well-rounded evaluation is key to deciding if it’s a realistic and rewarding path.
Career Opportunities
For many who have spent years working in Thailand, adapting to the local culture and gaining basic Thai language skills becomes second nature. Companies, on the other hand, are often reluctant to let go of long-term expats, either because it’s hard to find reliable replacements or due to personal relationships formed over time.
As a result, job security tends to be strong. Externally, the growing presence of Taiwanese and Chinese businesses in Thailand has also increased the demand for native Chinese speakers, creating many job-switching opportunities. That said, one important factor to consider when changing jobs is location. Most Taiwanese and Chinese businesses operating in Thailand run manufacturing plants, often located in remote industrial zones. This means switching jobs could involve relocating far from your current home—something that could impact your housing decisions and overall quality of life..
Thailand’s Industry Growth
Thailand has shown strong economic growth in recent years, with great potential for further development. If you're comparing life in Thailand to Taiwan or other Asian countries, understanding the bigger picture of Thailand’s industry trends is crucial. For more details, check out my post:Why Choose Thailand for Career Growth? A Comparison of Thailand’s Economy and Work Environment with Other Asian Countries
Visa Considerations
要在泰國長久居住，必須要有簽證、居留證；最容易取得的長期簽證不外乎： (1)工作簽證、 (2)結婚居留簽證；所以有穩定工作、或找泰國當地配偶，是相對增加穩定泰國長住的方式。
若是已婚人士，想攜家帶眷過來泰國的話，夫妻任一方在泰國有穩定工作，就可為另一方辦理依親簽證來泰，當然最好情況是兩方都在泰國找到工作，且工作地點距離相近。
泰國政府在發移民簽證這些方面很開放，只要是人才，簽證都很容易發下來。
Lifestyle Factors
主要分兩大類：
(1)車：車子在泰國基本上屬必備品，泰國除了曼谷交通方便外，其他地方沒車幾乎等同於沒有腳，很多工業園區，計程車也很稀少，難以行動；買車時，最在乎的就是價格，外國人一開始買二手車的話，較難判斷其好壞、是否曾有重大事故，建議還是以新車為主；新車以TOYOTA及HONDA最為保值，以一台1,500cc為例，80幾萬泰銖的入手價，五年後賣出，多半還能以40~50萬泰銖二手價賣出，相當於花了30萬開五年，相當划算！
(2)房：
在泰國，外國人不能買有土地的房子，(這是基本常識了)，因此外國人只能購買公寓，且價格可能還會比泰國本地人買的公寓來得貴一些，雖然如此，泰國房價對比台灣房價來說仍是相當便宜的。
在曼谷市郊，買公寓大約150~300萬就可以入手一間約25坪的小公寓；在工業區附近的又會更便宜，大約100萬左右就可買到；別忘了，再怎麼便宜的房子，還是為數不小的一筆錢；需考量轉換工作、或需歸國時，要如何脫手，及到了下一份工作是否需重新買一次房等因素。
Parenting in Thailand
如有小孩的話，就要考慮小孩的教育、醫療等；若在曼谷市中心外派，當然資源豐富，教育機構、醫療機構很健全；但大多外商來設廠都在偏僻的工業區，此時必須考慮工作廠區地點附近是否有學校、及各種教育機構（如音樂、體能發展運動類課外學習機構）；
曼谷的國際學校是亞洲做得最好的，不輸新加坡，因此部分日本外派人士的做法是，老婆、小孩在曼谷生活，丈夫平日到工廠上班，周末回曼谷陪老婆小孩，這也是一種替代的生活模式，這些都是找工作、買房前需要做好的功課！
Articles on Expats in Thailand：
👨🏽💻 Thailand Expat Workplace
【泰國開分公司】在泰國開疆闢土，開分公司外派主管心路歷程
【Job Hunting in Thailand】Are There Many Expat Job Opportunities in Media/Photography? Industry Talent Demand Analysis
【Opening a Bank Account in Thailand】Can Foreigners Open a Bank Account in Thailand? Banking & Credit Card Applications for Business and Tourist Visa Holders
【Hiring in Thailand】A Recruiter’s Perspective on Hiring Bilingual Talent in Thailand
【Expat Training】Corporate Training Seminars for Expats in Thailand
【外派日常】融入泰國當地職場秘訣
【Cost of Living in Thailand】Can You Save Money While Working Abroad? A Breakdown of Living Expenses in Thailand
🚆 Bangkok Vacation Transportation
【Getting Around】Common ways to navigate Bangkok’s city traffic.
【Airport Transfers】Private car transfers from BKK/DMK airports to Bangkok city hotels.
【Bangkok Ride-Hailing】Comparing Thai taxis vs. Grab—which is more cost-effective?
【First-Time Visiting Thailand?】Get One-day Bangkok sightseeing passes
【Taking the Train in Bangkok】Experiencing Thailand’s railways—waiting for trains on the tracks!
⛱️ Expat Life Perks! Join Local Day Tours & Explore Attractions
【Must-See for 1st-Timers】Floating Market Day Tour from Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak, Maeklong Market & Amphawa Fireflies Cruise
【Golf Booking in Bangkok】How to Book Luxurious Golf Courses in Bangkok at a Discount?
【Thai Costume Experience】One Day - SENSE OF THAI Costume Rental Experience
⚙️Useful Tools for Travelers in Thailand
【Unlimited Internet in Thailand】The most popular eSIM and SIM card options among travelers.
【Luggage Delivery】Luggage Concierge | Same-day delivery from BKK Airport to hotels in Bangkok.
🍜 Bangkok Food
【Unique Thai Snacks】Exotic Thai Street Food Experience
【Michelin Restaurants】20 Must-Visit Michelin Dining Experiences in Bangkok | 2024 updated
【Classic Thai Seafood】Discover Thailand’s Best Coastal Eateries
【Thai Local Delicacies】Experience Thailand's street food stalls! How to say "not spicy" in Thai?
🛏️ Business Trip Accommodation in Bangkok
【Bangkok Hotels】Recommendations for 20 high-value hotels in Bangkok (including low and high season prices).
😎 About Me
I have been stationed in Thailand for many years (seeAbout me), speak Thai, and serve as your local insider guide. Feel free to join my Facebook Page:LiangYu in Thailand - Eight Years as an Expat in Thailand, Firsthand Insights into Thai Life, where we can share experiences about work, life, travel, and business in Thailand.
☎ Reservation Services for Thai Restaurants, Hotels, and Golf
Most reservations for Thai restaurants, itineraries, and vacation apartments in Thailand require a local Thai bank account for booking. (Popular cafes in Thailand like the Maldives-themed Bubble in the Forest Cafe and many unique accommodations outside major cities, such as those in the Pilok area of Kanchanaburi, often do not have online booking and payment mechanisms.) If you needassistance on booking or order thai goods, please reach out on :Facebook
