| IDEAL WEATHER ALL YEAR ROUND |
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All year long, Thailand is blessed with an excellent tropical climate. We like to say we have two seasons; Summer without rain and Summer with rain! Even during the rainy season, it rarely rains continuously for long periods of time. Usually it is limited to a sudden downpour of around an hour, then the sun shines again. To the north of the country, the winter months of November to January are considerably cooler, particularly in the evenings.
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| UP TO DATE INFRASTRUCTURE |
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Thailand has been able to integrate its unique heritage with the modern infrastructure required to support a rapidly growing economy and demanding and prosperous population.
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| Telecommunications links are world class with networks that span throughout almost the entire country. Cellphone coverage is excellent with many packages available to you. Internet service providers offer |
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an assortment of services and packages tailored to meet the requirements of virtually every kind of user. Internet cafes abound in major cities, and even small towns often offer Internet connection.
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| Local television networks span the country, and international news is available via satellite or cable TV. |
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| SAFE AND COMFORTABLE TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE NATION |
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Throughout the Kingdom the transport infrastructure is continuously being further developed and modernized. Bangkok’s international airport is a major regional hub, with hundreds of flights every day from all over the world. A new international airport is currently under construction to accommodate the ever-growing influx of travellers. Internal flights on modern aircraft operate frequent schedules to destinations nationwide, and at very reasonable fares.
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| Within Bangkok there’s the excellent BTS Skytrain, which connects many of the major tourist attractions such as the Weekend Market, the river, |
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| and many of the city’s major shopping and entertainment areas. Likewise, the recently opened subway system opens up other tourist attractions and shopping areas that offer perhaps a more local flavour. |
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| Some people prefer to travel by rail, and the State Rail Authority provides services to all areas of the country. |
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| LIMITLESS ACCOMMODATION CHOICES |
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If you have visited Thailand as a tourist, you will be aware that Thailand has some of the best hotels and accommodation in the world. Should you choose to stay for a short time, you have an abundance of hotels and resorts to choose from.
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| For the long term visitor (1 month or longer), you have the buying power to choose a serviced apartment or to even stay in the residential wing of some of the larger hotels. Should you require something a little more personal, we can assist you in renting a house, apartment or condominium for the length of your stay. |
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| TLM will inspect properties on your behalf and make recommendations to you so you will be assured that you will have a home away from home. |
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| PARADISE IS ONLY A PADDLE AWAY |
| Despite the myriad attractions of Thailand, it would be hard to visit for any length of time without being seduced by some of the beautiful tropical beaches. In fact, mention Thailand to most people and the image that will instantly pop into their heads will be sparkling blue water lined by a golden beach fringed by tall palms waving in a gentle breeze. |
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| You may be surprised by the variety of beaches throughout the country. For instance, on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand not so far from Bangkok you’ll find long, open beaches with miles of safe swimming areas. Across the other side of the Gulf, Koh Chang and surrounding areas offer small bays, deep clear water, and stunning coral formations. In the south lie the spectacular limestone karsts that were made popular by James Bond! Today we know it as Phi Phi Island.
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| Thailand's beaches also vary greatly in the kinds of services and attractions on offer. On the one hand you have the large resort areas such as Pattaya and Phuket which offer every service imaginable, including luxury resorts, fine dining, and all kinds of water sports including scuba diving and snorkeling, parasailing, catamarans, boat trips, and lively nightspots. |
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| However, if you really want to “get away from it all”, there are thousands of tiny coves and islands where you can listen to the waves lapping up onto a deserted beach on a starlit night, without a care in the world. |
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| FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD |
| You've probably had Thai food before. But not like you'll have it in Thailand. Food is a national obsession, which is just as well because Thai people take their food pretty seriously (which raises that age-old question: how do local people in Thailand manage to stay so thin?). Being able to eat (and afford!) delicious meals every day is indeed one of the great attractions of staying in Thailand.
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| Every region of the Kingdom has it's own specialities, but it's easy to find them combined on the menus of fabulous restaurants around the country. You’ll be surprised at the endless variety of flavours. |
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| And here’s a little secret. Ever wondered why all those little street side stalls you see all over Thailand are so popular? It’s not just because they’re fast and inexpensive, but primarily because they serve outstanding tasty treats which can’t be duplicated in even the most expensive restaurants. |
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In fact, food in general in Thailand is notably inexpensive; a delicious and nutritious Thai lunch in a restaurant is likely to cost no more than a couple of hundred baht (US$5), and an evening meal consisting of several courses in pleasant surroundings begins at as little as US$15 per person.
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| And if you should ever tire of Thai food, the cuisines of countless other countries are on offer in Bangkok and other major population centres. Naturally you’re never far away from good Chinese food, excellent Japanese and Korean fare, and of course there are the cosmopolitan favourites such as Italian, French and Indian. |
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| EXCELLENT MEDICAL CARE |
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With the encouragement of the Thai government, large fully equipped clinics and hospitals are conveniently located throughout Bangkok, major resort towns, and larger provincial cities.
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| To say that the best medical facilities in Thailand are world-standard is far from an exaggeration. For example, specialist departments in the larger hospitals provide cardiovascular, neurological, paediatric, maternity and dental care using the latest equipment and procedures. |
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| The experienced nursing and medical staff are highly trained, many having gained degrees at international universities and colleges. Unlike many countries around the world, there are no complicated bureaucratic procedures to go through before obtaining proper health care – your medical requirements will be attended to immediately. |
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| The cost of this superb health care is often well below that of comparable care in other countries around the world. (Why not visit our Healthcare and Wellness section?) Depending on the kind of health insurance you have, you may even find that you are already covered for any treatment you may need whilst you visit Thailand. |
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| You can rest assured that, should the need arise, you’ll be able to rely on a complete range of outstanding medical services. Of course, TLM will always be available to offer the longstay visitor any advice they may require on medical issues. |
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THE COST OF LIVING IN THIS TROPICAL PARADISE
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Living in Thailand for an extended length of time is far cheaper than you’d imagine. Compared to most parts of the world – Europe, North America, Australia and other developed cities in Asia – the cost of living in Thailand is excellent value for money.
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| Comfortable, convenient accommodation is more affordable than any other major city in the region. Travelling around the country is inexpensive, and Bangkok is recognised as one of the cheapest places to purchase tickets for international flights. Locally made arts and crafts, clothing and footwear, are all bargains. Entertainment is great value too, a night out on the town costing a fraction of what it would in major cities around the world. |
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| THE COST OF LIVING IN THAILAND IS VERY LOW |
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There’s no question about it. As a long-term visitor, any given budget will allow you to stay longer and have more fun in Thailand!
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| Whilst everyone visiting Thailand has a different budget and agenda, we have put together an example of living expenses that you would incur on a long-term visit. |
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SAMPLE MONTHLY COSTS
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Studio apartment, convenient location
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from US$750 per month
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Utilities (if paid separately)
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from US$75 per month
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Food
(combination of self-prepared and one meal a day outside)
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US$500 per month
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Local transport
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150 baht per day,
US$115 per month
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Local mobile calls
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use pre-paid local SIM card
(Baht 3-5 per minute).
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Incidentals (toiletries, basic groceries, fruit, etc.)
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US$50 per month
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