The Land of Wat Phra Kaeo, The Emerald Buddha & Ko Samui

Information on Relocating to Thailand

• The capital city of Thailand is Bangkok with about 9 million people. The political centre is also in Bangkok where the King resides. Thailand is a Constitutional monarchy.

• Languages: Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists. The TV programs are in their original language and Cable and Satellite TV is available.

• Population: The population is about  64.8 million people - Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%.

• Expat areas: There are six main areas suitable for expatriates in the capital: Langsuan, Pathum Thani, Phloen Chit, Phahonyothin, Sukhumvit and Sathorn.

• Housing: In the capital, the main forms of accommodation for expatriates are houses, mostly situated in the outskirts of the city, and apartments which are concentrated in the centre. Apartments tend to be more expensive than houses of the same size but are usually of a better standard and have extra facilities such as swimming pool, spa, squash courts etc. In addition, there are 24-hour security guards in many apartment blocks.

• Cost of housing: It varies based on type of residence, location and views. Monthly rent can be from US$ 800 for a studio to over US$ 10000. The local currency is Baht (Bt).

• Schools: We have the American, the  British, the International and the French school, all available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: Conventional bus services in Bangkok are operated by the Government Mass Transit Authority, but there are also extensive private minibus operations and passenger-carrying trucks. Premium fares are charged for air conditioned and express buses. Fares are generally low and are collected by conductors. Ferries and long-tailed motorboats operate on the Chao Phraya River which are a quick and cheap way to get about. Bus maps of the city are available, on arrival, from the tourist office at Don Muang Airport. The Skyrail, an elevated mass transit system in Bangkok, runs from 6.00 am - 00.00.

• Bank: The banks are open Mondays - Fridays from 9.30 am - 3.30 pm.

• Shopping: Is generally done from Monday-Sunday 10.00 am - 9.00 pm; department stores 10.00 am - 10.00 pm.

• Climate: There are three seasons in Thailand: hot, rainy and cool. The temperature drops only a few degrees at the night and is accompanied by 24-hour humidity above 70 percent. Only air-conditioning makes Bangkok and other major towns tolerable during the hot season. The countryside is somewhat cooler, but, surprisingly, the northern regions can be hotter in March and April than Bangkok.

• Culture: Bangkok offers a wide range of entertainment venues, from nightclubs, pubs, bars, cinemas and restaurants (many of which are open air), to massage parlors, pool halls and cocktail lounges. Performances of traditional religious and court dances can be seen at the Thai Cultural Centre. Elsewhere on the mainland, nightlife takes the form of traditional dances. The islands are renowned for their nightlife, and attendance is almost exclusively foreigners. The full moon parties are notorious and continue well into the following morning.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year's Day; February (full moon)-Magha Puja; April 5th-Chakri Day ; April 13th-15th-Songkran (Thai New Year); May 1st-Labour Day; May 5th-Coronation Day; May-(date variable) Ploughing Ceremony; May-(full moon) Visakha Puja; July-(full moon) Asalaha Puja; July-Khao Phansa; August 12th-Queen's Birthday; October 23rd-Chulalongkorn Day; December 5th-The King's Birthday; December 10th-Constitution Day; December 31st-New Year's Eve.