Checklist
First Month as an Expat in Thailand
Your week-by-week action list for the first 30 days in Thailand — sorted by urgency. Urgent items are marked and should be tackled in your first week.
Week 1Immediate Priorities
- Register your accommodation (TM.30)!! Urgent
Your landlord must file a TM.30 notification within 24 hours of your arrival. Confirm they have done this — you may need the receipt for visa extension.
- Get a local SIM with long-term plan!! Urgent
Switch from tourist SIM to a monthly plan. AIS, True Move H, and DTAC offer monthly unlimited data plans from ฿299–599.
- Open a Thai bank account!! Urgent
Kasikorn Bank (KBank) and Bangkok Bank are most foreigner-friendly. Bring passport, proof of address, and initial deposit (฿500–5,000). Some branches require a visa with 3+ months remaining.
- Find a short-term apartment or extend current accommodation
If staying in a hotel, begin apartment hunting via Facebook groups, DDProperty, or FazWaz. Most apartments require 1–2 months deposit.
- Check your visa expiry date and plan extension or exit!! Urgent
Note the exact date you must leave or extend by. Build in 2–3 days buffer. Thai Immigration fines are ฿500/day for overstay.
Week 2Legal & Admin
- Extend your visa (or do a border run if needed)
Tourist visa: extend at local Immigration office for 30 days (฿1,900). Bring passport, TM.6 departure card stub, TM.7 application form, 2 photos, and proof of accommodation.
- Set up online banking for your Thai bank account
KBank and Bangkok Bank both have good apps. Register internet banking at the branch during account opening.
- Get a local LINE account
LINE is Thailand's dominant messaging app. Many landlords, services, and local businesses communicate only via LINE.
- Explore local neighbourhood
Find your nearest: 7-Eleven, pharmacy, local market, ATM, hospital or clinic, and laundry service.
- Register at your embassy or consulate
Optional but recommended — allows your government to contact you in emergencies. Takes 10 minutes online.
Week 3Health & Insurance
- Purchase health insurance
Required for some visas; essential in practice. Cigna, Pacific Cross, AXA, and Luma are popular expat options. Expect ฿15,000–40,000/year for comprehensive cover under 40.
- Find a local clinic or hospital
Bangkok Hospital, Bumrungrad, and Samitivej chains have English-speaking staff. Local government hospitals are much cheaper for non-emergencies.
- Fill any prescription medication (3-month supply)
Many medications available without prescription at pharmacies. Bring your home country prescription for controlled substances.
- Dental check-up
Dental care in Thailand is world-class and costs 10–30% of Western prices. A full check-up and clean costs ฿600–1,500.
Week 4Long-Term Setup
- File your first 90-day report (if on a long-stay visa)
Required for Non-Immigrant visa holders. Due 90 days from entry. File online via the Immigration Bureau website (unreliable) or in person at Immigration. TM.47 form.
- Sign apartment lease
Read the lease carefully — note notice period, pet policy, and deposit refund conditions. Take photos of the unit before moving in.
- Set up utilities
Electricity is metered separately in most serviced apartments. Water may be included. Internet: AIS Fibre or True are fastest; 500 Mbps plans from ฿599/month.
- Start basic Thai language lessons
Duolingo, YouTube channels (Thai with Grace, Learn Thai from a White Guy), or a local tutor via iTalki. Even 50 words will dramatically improve daily life.
- Join local expat communities
Facebook groups: Expats in Bangkok / Chiang Mai / Phuket etc. InterNations chapter in your city. These are invaluable for local knowledge, meetups, and finding services.
- Understand Thai tax obligations
If you earn income (foreign or Thai) while a tax resident (180+ days in Thailand), you may have Thai tax obligations from 2024 onward. Consult a Thai tax professional.