A visitor to the site recently enquired about living in Thailand, I live here for 6 months each year and below is a recent forum two and fro I had with someone else who was thinking of coming here.

Hope you find the information useful…

1. What is the standard of living there? In other words, how much should I earn monthly to live comfortably? (as in enjoying the country)

Standard of living is very high for people that can earn money from overseas while living there. You can live quite comfortably on about 800 GBP to 1000 GBP per month and that includes rent… example living costs:

Rent of Apartment: 120 – 150 GBP per month (can pay a little more for some mucho luxury though) normally comes with free wifi

2. What should I know about the naturalization process? How much time can I stay there with my travel visa … or better yet, how much time can I stay there without paying any taxes?

I am married to a Thai so its a little different for me as I get a Non-Immigrant visa. But you can easily (depending on where you come from i.e. UK / US etc) get a Double or even Tripple entry tourist visa that allows two or three 60 day visas. Double costs 56 GBP and Triple about 90 GBP. If you plan to do all your work outside of Thailand and get paid outside of Thailand no need to worry about work visas as they are a pain and cost far more.

3. What should I know about their culture which may put me in difficulties once there?

Culture wise its great, they are a laid back bunch, but… watch yourself as they can go off the handle if you try and be the big “I AM” and rub there noses in anything. Me I jmust keep myself to myself, drink beers, smile at one and all and I have never had a problem. The whole Buddhist thing helps a great deal.

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