Moving to Thailand is exciting, but once you’ve arrived, everyday administration can quickly take over.
Instead of exploring your new neighborhood or trying every restaurant and street-food stall on your list, you may find yourself dealing with immigration forms, 90-day reporting, bank paperwork, phone contracts, utility bills, health coverage, and tax documents. Even when a procedure is straightforward, formal Thai and unfamiliar administrative vocabulary can make it difficult to know exactly what you’re being asked to do.
The good news is that you don’t need perfect Thai to settle in successfully. Knowing which tasks to prioritize, which documents to keep ready, and which Thai phrases to use can make appointments and everyday procedures much less stressful.
This guide walks you through eight important steps for settling into life in Thailand, with practical Thai for the situations you’re most likely to encounter.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to:
- handle common immigration and extension-of-stay procedures
- understand TM.30 accommodation notification and 90-day reporting
- open a Thai bank account
- get a Thai phone number
- arrange electricity, water, gas, and internet as needed
- understand common healthcare and Social Security procedures
- deal with basic Thai tax paperwork
- communicate more confidently during everyday appointments
Requirements vary according to your nationality, immigration status, employment, visa or permission to stay, and individual situation, so always check the current instructions for the procedure that applies to you.
Table of Contents
Why This Moving to Thailand Checklist Is Different
Most “moving to Thailand” guides tell you what to do. Go to immigration. Open a bank account. Get a Thai SIM card. Set up your utilities.
But they rarely answer the question that matters most once you’re standing at a counter:
“What do I actually say?”
That’s what makes this guide different.
For every major step, you’ll find:
- what the procedure generally involves
- documents or information you may need
- practical Thai phrases
- realistic dialogue examples
- useful vocabulary
- common points to know before an appointment
Think of this as both a moving checklist and a practical survival Thai guide for your first weeks in Thailand.
A Note About Polite Thai
Thai changes slightly depending on the speaker.
Male speakers commonly end polite statements and questions with:
ครับ
khráp
Female speakers commonly use:
ค่ะ
khâ
for statements, and:
คะ
kha
for questions.
In the phrases below, you’ll often see ครับ/ค่ะ (khráp/khâ) for statements and ครับ/คะ (khráp/kha) for questions. Choose the form appropriate for you rather than saying both.
What Should You Do After Moving to Thailand?
Quick Answer
Your exact priorities depend on your circumstances, but many new residents should think about these eight areas:
- Complete the immigration procedures that apply to your stay.
- Make sure your accommodation notification is handled and keep up with 90-day reporting if required.
- Open a Thai bank account.
- Get a Thai phone number.
- Set up electricity, water, gas, and internet as needed.
- Confirm your healthcare and Social Security situation.
- Understand your Thai tax obligations and get a tax identification number if required.
- Learn practical Thai for everyday life.
Some of these steps depend on one another. For example, banks and phone providers may ask for identification, proof of address, or immigration documents, and the exact requirements can vary by provider and your status in Thailand.
Your First Month in Thailand: A Practical Timeline
Not every task will be completed on the same schedule, and some procedures depend on how long you stay. A useful approach is to begin time-sensitive procedures first.
| Time | What to Do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First days | Move in and organize your passport, visa or entry information, and housing documents | You’ll use them repeatedly. |
| On arrival at accommodation | Confirm that any required TM.30 accommodation notification has been handled | The notification is generally the responsibility of the owner, landlord, householder, or accommodation manager. |
| First weeks | Open a Thai bank account if you need one | Useful for salary, rent, bills, and recurring payments. |
| First weeks | Get a Thai SIM card or phone plan | Useful for appointments, banking, deliveries, and account verification. |
| First weeks | Set up utilities and internet if necessary | What you need to arrange depends on your housing. |
| As applicable | Confirm healthcare or Social Security coverage | The procedure depends on your employment and circumstances. |
| Before your permitted stay expires | Apply for an extension of stay if you are eligible and need one | An extension and a 90-day report are separate procedures. |
| Every 90 days of continuous stay, if required | Complete 90-day reporting | This applies to foreigners who stay in Thailand longer than 90 consecutive days, subject to the applicable rules. |
| Ongoing | Practice practical Thai | Makes every appointment easier. |
Documents You’ll Use Again and Again
One of the easiest ways to reduce stress is to keep your important documents together.
Depending on your situation, useful documents may include:
- passport
- visa or entry information
- proof of your current permission to stay
- work permit, if applicable
- rental agreement
- proof of address
- TM.30 accommodation-notification evidence, if relevant to your procedure
- Thai phone number
- Thai bank details
- employment documents
- Social Security information, if applicable
- tax documents or tax identification number, if applicable
A few expressions you’ll see frequently are:
หนังสือเดินทาง
nǎng-sʉ̌ʉ doen-thaang
“passport”
วีซ่า
wee-sâa
“visa”
เอกสาร
èek-gà-sǎan
“documents”
ที่อยู่
thîi-yùu
“address”
หลักฐานที่อยู่
làk-thǎan thîi-yùu
“proof of address”
ใบอนุญาตทำงาน
bai à-nú-yâat tham-ngaan
“work permit”
Having your paperwork organized can save a lot of time when different offices or service providers ask for the same information.
Step 1: Complete Your Immigration Procedures
Thailand’s immigration procedures depend on your visa, permission to stay, reason for staying, and individual circumstances.
You may encounter procedures such as:
- applying for an extension of temporary stay
- completing 90-day reporting
- applying for a re-entry permit
- submitting additional documents
- updating certain information
- using e-Extension for eligible procedures and categories
One important distinction is that an extension of stay and a 90-day report are not the same thing.
The official TM.7 form is an application for an Extension of Temporary Stay in the Kingdom. A 90-day report, commonly called แจ้ง 90 วัน (jâeng gâao-sìp wan), is a separate notification procedure and does not extend your permission to stay.
For more detailed immigration vocabulary and practical expressions, see Thai for the Immigration Office: 40 Visa Renewal Phrases You’ll Actually Need.
Essential Thai Phrases
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| มาขออนุญาตอยู่ต่อครับ/ค่ะ | maa khɔ̌ɔ à-nú-yâat yùu dtɔ̀ɔ khráp/khâ | “I’m here to apply for an extension of stay.” |
| ต้องการยื่นคำร้องขออยู่ต่อครับ/ค่ะ | dtɔ̂ng-gaan yʉ̂ʉn kham-rɔ́ɔng khɔ̌ɔ yùu dtɔ̀ɔ khráp/khâ | “I’d like to submit an application for an extension.” |
| ต้องใช้เอกสารอะไรบ้างครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng chái èek-gà-sǎan à-rai bâang khráp/kha | “Which documents are required?” |
| ระยะเวลาที่ได้รับอนุญาตให้อยู่กำลังจะหมดครับ/ค่ะ | rá-yá wee-laa thîi dâai-ráp à-nú-yâat hâi yùu gam-lang jà mòt khráp/khâ | “My permitted stay is about to expire.” |
| ต้องแจ้ง 90 วันเมื่อไหร่ครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng jâeng gâao-sìp wan mʉ̂a-rài khráp/kha | “When do I need to make my 90-day report?” |
| ต้องการขอใบอนุญาตกลับเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักรครับ/ค่ะ | dtɔ̂ng-gaan khɔ̌ɔ bai à-nú-yâat glàp khâo maa nai râat-chá-aa-naa-jàk khráp/khâ | “I’d like to apply for a re-entry permit.” |
| ยื่น e-Extension แล้วครับ/ค่ะ | yʉ̂ʉn e-Extension lɛ́ɛo khráp/khâ | “I’ve already submitted an e-Extension application.” |
| ขอโทษครับ/ค่ะ ไม่เข้าใจครับ/ค่ะ | khɔ̌ɔ-thôot khráp/khâ, mâi khâo-jai khráp/khâ | “Sorry, I don’t understand.” |
Sample Dialogue
Immigration Officer
มาทำอะไรคะ
maa tham à-rai kha
“What are you here for?”
You
มาขออนุญาตอยู่ต่อครับ
maa khɔ̌ɔ à-nú-yâat yùu dtɔ̀ɔ khráp
“I’m here to apply for an extension of stay.”
Officer
เตรียมเอกสารมาครบไหมคะ
dtriiam èek-gà-sǎan maa khróp mái kha
“Did you bring all the required documents?”
You
ไม่แน่ใจครับ ต้องใช้เอกสารอะไรบ้างครับ
mâi nâe-jai khráp, dtɔ̂ng chái èek-gà-sǎan à-rai bâang khráp
“I’m not sure. Which documents are required?”
Officer
ขอดูหนังสือเดินทางก่อนค่ะ
khɔ̌ɔ duu nǎng-sʉ̌ʉ doen-thaang gɔ̀ɔn khâ
“Let me see your passport first.”
You
ได้ครับ นี่ครับ
dâai khráp, nîi khráp
“Of course. Here it is.”
Useful Immigration Vocabulary
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง | sǎm-nák-ngaan dtrùat khon khâo mʉʉang | “Immigration Bureau / immigration office” |
| การขออยู่ต่อ | gaan khɔ̌ɔ yùu dtɔ̀ɔ | “applying to stay longer / extension of stay” |
| แจ้ง 90 วัน | jâeng gâao-sìp wan | “90-day reporting” |
| ใบอนุญาตกลับเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร | bai à-nú-yâat glàp khâo maa nai râat-chá-aa-naa-jàk | “re-entry permit” |
| เอกสารประกอบ | èek-gà-sǎan bprà-gɔ̀ɔp | “supporting documents” |
| แบบฟอร์ม | bàep-fɔɔm | “form” |
| ระยะเวลาที่ได้รับอนุญาตให้อยู่ | rá-yá wee-laa thîi dâai-ráp à-nú-yâat hâi yùu | “permitted period of stay” |
Step 2: Understand TM.30 and 90-Day Reporting
Thailand has two address-related immigration procedures that new residents often confuse:
- TM.30 accommodation notification
- 90-day reporting (TM.47)
They are different procedures with different responsibilities.
TM.30 Accommodation Notification
Under Thailand’s immigration rules, the house owner, head of household, landlord, hotel manager, or other responsible accommodation provider generally needs to notify immigration when a foreign national stays at the property.
This is commonly called:
แจ้งที่พัก ตม.30
jâeng thîi-phák dtɔɔ-mɔɔ sǎam-sìp
“TM.30 accommodation notification”
The Immigration Bureau’s online TM.30 system states that the notification must generally be made within 24 hours of the foreign national’s arrival at the accommodation.
If you’re renting, it’s useful to confirm with your landlord or accommodation provider that the notification has been completed and to keep evidence if you may need it for another immigration procedure.
90-Day Reporting
If you stay in Thailand for more than 90 consecutive days, you may also need to make a notification of staying in the Kingdom over 90 days.
This is:
แจ้ง 90 วัน
jâeng gâao-sìp wan
“90-day reporting”
It uses TM.47 and is separate from an extension of stay.
The reporting window and available methods can change, so check the current Immigration Bureau instructions before each report.
Essential Thai Phrases
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| เจ้าของที่พักแจ้ง ตม.30 แล้วหรือยังครับ/คะ | jâo-khɔ̌ɔng thîi-phák jâeng dtɔɔ-mɔɔ sǎam-sìp lɛ́ɛo rʉ̌ʉ yang khráp/kha | “Has the landlord/accommodation provider submitted the TM.30 notification yet?” |
| ขอหลักฐานการแจ้ง ตม.30 ได้ไหมครับ/คะ | khɔ̌ɔ làk-thǎan gaan jâeng dtɔɔ-mɔɔ sǎam-sìp dâai mái khráp/kha | “Could I have proof of the TM.30 notification?” |
| ต้องแจ้งที่พักภายใน 24 ชั่วโมงใช่ไหมครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng jâeng thîi-phák phaai-nai yîi-sìp-sìi chûa-moong châi mái khráp/kha | “Does the accommodation need to be reported within 24 hours?” |
| ผม/ดิฉันต้องแจ้ง 90 วันเมื่อไหร่ครับ/คะ | phǒm/dì-chǎn dtɔ̂ng jâeng gâao-sìp wan mʉ̂a-rài khráp/kha | “When do I need to make my 90-day report?” |
| แจ้ง 90 วันออนไลน์ได้ไหมครับ/คะ | jâeng gâao-sìp wan online dâai mái khráp/kha | “Can I do the 90-day report online?” |
| ถ้าเปลี่ยนที่อยู่ต้องทำอย่างไรครับ/คะ | thâa bplìian thîi-yùu dtɔ̂ng tham yàang-rai khráp/kha | “What do I need to do if I change my address?” |
Sample Dialogue with a Landlord
You
เจ้าของที่พักแจ้ง ตม.30 แล้วหรือยังครับ
jâo-khɔ̌ɔng thîi-phák jâeng dtɔɔ-mɔɔ sǎam-sìp lɛ́ɛo rʉ̌ʉ yang khráp
“Has the TM.30 notification been submitted yet?”
Landlord
แจ้งแล้วค่ะ
jâeng lɛ́ɛo khâ
“Yes, it has.”
You
ขอหลักฐานการแจ้งได้ไหมครับ
khɔ̌ɔ làk-thǎan gaan jâeng dâai mái khráp
“Could I have proof of the notification?”
Landlord
ได้ค่ะ เดี๋ยวส่งให้ทางไลน์นะคะ
dâai khâ, dǐao sòng hâi thaang Line ná kha
“Sure. I’ll send it to you on LINE.”
Don’t Confuse These Two Procedures
TM.30: generally a notification by the person or business providing your accommodation.
90-day reporting: a separate obligation for a foreign national who remains in Thailand for more than 90 consecutive days, when applicable.
Neither procedure by itself extends the date until which you are permitted to stay.
Step 3: Open a Thai Bank Account
A Thai bank account can make everyday life much easier.
You may use it for:
- receiving your salary
- paying rent
- paying utility bills
- transferring money
- setting up recurring payments
- using mobile banking
- making QR-code payments
Requirements vary significantly by bank, branch, account type, nationality, immigration status, and the purpose of the account.
You may be asked for documents such as:
- passport
- visa or proof of immigration status
- work permit, if applicable
- proof of address
- Thai phone number
- employment or other supporting documents
Don’t assume that every branch uses exactly the same checklist. Check with the bank before you go.
Essential Thai Phrases
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| ต้องการเปิดบัญชีธนาคารครับ/ค่ะ | dtɔ̂ng-gaan bpə̀ət ban-chii thá-naa-khaan khráp/khâ | “I’d like to open a bank account.” |
| ต้องใช้เอกสารอะไรบ้างครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng chái èek-gà-sǎan à-rai bâang khráp/kha | “Which documents are required?” |
| ต้องมีใบอนุญาตทำงานไหมครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng mii bai à-nú-yâat tham-ngaan mái khráp/kha | “Do I need a work permit?” |
| ใช้หลักฐานที่อยู่นี้ได้ไหมครับ/คะ | chái làk-thǎan thîi-yùu níi dâai mái khráp/kha | “Can I use this as proof of address?” |
| ขอบัตรเดบิตได้ไหมครับ/คะ | khɔ̌ɔ bàt dee-bìt dâai mái khráp/kha | “Can I get a debit card?” |
| สมัครโมบายแบงก์กิ้งได้ไหมครับ/คะ | sà-màk moo-baai bɛ́ɛng-gîng dâai mái khráp/kha | “Can I sign up for mobile banking?” |
| มีค่าธรรมเนียมรายเดือนไหมครับ/คะ | mii khâa tham-niiam raai dʉʉan mái khráp/kha | “Is there a monthly fee?” |
Sample Dialogue
Bank Employee
สวัสดีค่ะ มาติดต่อเรื่องอะไรคะ
sà-wàt-dii khâ, maa dtìt-dtɔ̀ɔ rʉ̂ang à-rai kha
“Hello. What can I help you with?”
You
ต้องการเปิดบัญชีธนาคารครับ
dtɔ̂ng-gaan bpə̀ət ban-chii thá-naa-khaan khráp
“I’d like to open a bank account.”
Employee
มีหนังสือเดินทางไหมคะ
mii nǎng-sʉ̌ʉ doen-thaang mái kha
“Do you have your passport?”
You
มีครับ นี่ครับ
mii khráp, nîi khráp
“Yes. Here it is.”
Employee
มีเอกสารยืนยันที่อยู่ในประเทศไทยไหมคะ
mii èek-gà-sǎan yʉʉn-yan thîi-yùu nai bprà-thêet Thai mái kha
“Do you have a document confirming your address in Thailand?”
You
มีครับ ใช้เอกสารนี้ได้ไหมครับ
mii khráp, chái èek-gà-sǎan níi dâai mái khráp
“Yes. Can I use this document?”
Useful Banking Vocabulary
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| บัญชีธนาคาร | ban-chii thá-naa-khaan | “bank account” |
| บัตรเดบิต | bàt dee-bìt | “debit card” |
| โอนเงิน | oon ngoen | “transfer money” |
| โมบายแบงก์กิ้ง | moo-baai bɛ́ɛng-gîng | “mobile banking” |
| ค่าธรรมเนียม | khâa tham-niiam | “fee” |
| สมุดบัญชี | sà-mùt ban-chii | “bankbook” |
| หลักฐานที่อยู่ | làk-thǎan thîi-yùu | “proof of address” |
Step 4: Get a Thai Phone Number
A Thai phone number is useful for much more than making calls.
You may need one for:
- banking
- deliveries
- appointments
- account verification
- online shopping
- work
- contacting landlords or service providers
- mobile applications
Depending on the provider, you can choose between:
- prepaid service
- monthly postpaid plans
- physical SIM cards
- eSIM
The documents and plans available can vary, so ask the provider what identification is required for your situation.
Essential Thai Phrases
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| ต้องการซื้อซิมการ์ดครับ/ค่ะ | dtɔ̂ng-gaan sʉ́ʉ sim-gàat khráp/khâ | “I’d like to buy a SIM card.” |
| มีแบบเติมเงินไหมครับ/คะ | mii bàep dtə̀əm ngoen mái khráp/kha | “Do you have a prepaid option?” |
| มีแพ็กเกจรายเดือนไหมครับ/คะ | mii phɛ́k-gèet raai dʉʉan mái khráp/kha | “Do you have a monthly plan?” |
| เดือนละเท่าไหร่ครับ/คะ | dʉʉan lá thâo-rài khráp/kha | “How much is it per month?” |
| อินเทอร์เน็ตกี่กิกะไบต์ครับ/คะ | in-thəə-nét gìi gì-gà-bai khráp/kha | “How many gigabytes of data are included?” |
| ใช้หนังสือเดินทางลงทะเบียนได้ไหมครับ/คะ | chái nǎng-sʉ̌ʉ doen-thaang long thá-biian dâai mái khráp/kha | “Can I register using my passport?” |
| มี eSIM ไหมครับ/คะ | mii eSIM mái khráp/kha | “Do you have eSIM?” |
Sample Dialogue
Employee
ต้องการซิมแบบไหนคะ
dtɔ̂ng-gaan sim bàep nǎi kha
“What kind of SIM would you like?”
You
มีแบบเติมเงินไหมครับ
mii bàep dtə̀əm ngoen mái khráp
“Do you have a prepaid option?”
Employee
มีค่ะ ใช้อินเทอร์เน็ตเยอะไหมคะ
mii khâ, chái in-thəə-nét yə́ mái kha
“Yes. Do you use a lot of data?”
You
ค่อนข้างเยอะครับ มีแพ็กเกจรายเดือนไหมครับ
khɔ̂n-khâang yə́ khráp, mii phɛ́k-gèet raai dʉʉan mái khráp
“Quite a lot. Do you have a monthly package?”
Step 5: Set Up Electricity, Water, Gas, and Internet
When you move into a home in Thailand, the exact utility setup depends on the property.
In some condominiums and apartments, certain bills may be handled by the building, landlord, or juristic person. In other homes, you may deal directly with the relevant utility provider.
Common services include:
- electricity
- water
- cooking gas, depending on the property
- internet
- building or common-area fees
Electricity service may be provided through the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan, or through the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) in most other areas.
Water service also depends on location and may be handled by the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, Provincial Waterworks Authority, a building management office, or another local arrangement.
Before changing an account, ask your landlord or building management what is already active and how each bill is handled.
Essential Thai Phrases
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| เพิ่งย้ายเข้ามาครับ/ค่ะ | phə̂ng yáai khâo maa khráp/khâ | “I just moved in.” |
| ต้องการเปลี่ยนชื่อผู้ใช้ไฟฟ้าครับ/ค่ะ | dtɔ̂ng-gaan bplìian chʉ̂ʉ phûu chái fai-fáa khráp/khâ | “I’d like to change the name on the electricity account.” |
| ค่าน้ำรวมอยู่ในค่าส่วนกลางไหมครับ/คะ | khâa náam ruam yùu nai khâa sùan-glaang mái khráp/kha | “Is the water bill included in the common-area fee?” |
| ค่าไฟจ่ายที่ไหนครับ/คะ | khâa fai jàai thîi-nǎi khráp/kha | “Where do I pay the electricity bill?” |
| ต้องการติดตั้งอินเทอร์เน็ตครับ/ค่ะ | dtɔ̂ng-gaan dtìt-dtâng in-thəə-nét khráp/khâ | “I’d like to have internet installed.” |
| ช่างมาได้เมื่อไหร่ครับ/คะ | châang maa dâai mʉ̂a-rài khráp/kha | “When can the technician come?” |
| ต้องวางเงินประกันไหมครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng waang ngoen bprà-gan mái khráp/kha | “Do I need to pay a deposit?” |
Sample Dialogue
Building Staff
เพิ่งย้ายเข้ามาใช่ไหมคะ
phə̂ng yáai khâo maa châi mái kha
“Did you just move in?”
You
ใช่ครับ อยากถามเรื่องค่าน้ำกับค่าไฟครับ
châi khráp, yàak thǎam rʉ̂ang khâa náam gàp khâa fai khráp
“Yes. I’d like to ask about the water and electricity bills.”
Staff
ค่าน้ำจ่ายที่สำนักงานนิติบุคคลค่ะ ส่วนค่าไฟจ่ายตรงกับการไฟฟ้าค่ะ
khâa náam jàai thîi sǎm-nák-ngaan ní-dtì-bùk-khon khâ, sùan khâa fai jàai dtrong gàp gaan fai-fáa khâ
“The water bill is paid at the condominium management office, while the electricity bill is paid directly to the electricity authority.”
You
เข้าใจแล้วครับ ขอบคุณครับ
khâo-jai lɛ́ɛo khráp, khɔ̀ɔp-khun khráp
“I understand. Thank you.”
Useful Utility Vocabulary
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| ค่าไฟ | khâa fai | “electricity bill” |
| ค่าน้ำ | khâa náam | “water bill” |
| ค่าส่วนกลาง | khâa sùan-glaang | “common-area / maintenance fee” |
| อินเทอร์เน็ต | in-thəə-nét | “internet” |
| ติดตั้ง | dtìt-dtâng | “install” |
| ช่าง | châang | “technician” |
| เงินประกัน | ngoen bprà-gan | “deposit” |
Step 6: Understand Healthcare and Social Security
Healthcare in Thailand can involve different systems depending on your employment, immigration status, and personal circumstances.
If you are legally employed in Thailand and your employment falls under the Social Security system, your employer may register you as an insured person under Section 33.
A useful term is:
ผู้ประกันตนมาตรา 33
phûu bprà-gan dton maat-dtraa sǎam-sìp-sǎam
“insured person under Section 33”
The Social Security Office is:
สำนักงานประกันสังคม
sǎm-nák-ngaan bprà-gan sǎng-khom
“Social Security Office”
People who are not covered through Thai Social Security may use other arrangements, including private health insurance or self-paid healthcare, depending on their circumstances.
If you’re employed, ask your employer whether your Social Security registration has been completed and which hospital you are registered with for medical benefits.
Essential Thai Phrases
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| บริษัทลงทะเบียนประกันสังคมให้แล้วหรือยังครับ/คะ | bɔɔ-rí-sàt long thá-biian bprà-gan sǎng-khom hâi lɛ́ɛo rʉ̌ʉ yang khráp/kha | “Has my company registered me for Social Security yet?” |
| ผม/ดิฉันเป็นผู้ประกันตนมาตรา 33 หรือยังครับ/คะ | phǒm/dì-chǎn bpen phûu bprà-gan dton maat-dtraa sǎam-sìp-sǎam rʉ̌ʉ yang khráp/kha | “Am I registered as a Section 33 insured person yet?” |
| ใช้สิทธิรักษาที่โรงพยาบาลไหนครับ/คะ | chái sìt rák-sǎa thîi roong-phá-yaa-baan nǎi khráp/kha | “Which hospital can I use my healthcare entitlement at?” |
| ต้องใช้เอกสารอะไรบ้างครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng chái èek-gà-sǎan à-rai bâang khráp/kha | “Which documents are required?” |
| ขอเปลี่ยนสถานพยาบาลได้ไหมครับ/คะ | khɔ̌ɔ bplìian sà-thǎan phá-yaa-baan dâai mái khráp/kha | “Can I change my registered healthcare facility?” |
| ต้องจ่ายเงินสมทบเท่าไหร่ครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng jàai ngoen sǒm-thóp thâo-rài khráp/kha | “How much is the Social Security contribution?” |
Sample Dialogue with HR
You
บริษัทลงทะเบียนประกันสังคมให้แล้วหรือยังครับ
bɔɔ-rí-sàt long thá-biian bprà-gan sǎng-khom hâi lɛ́ɛo rʉ̌ʉ yang khráp
“Has the company registered me for Social Security yet?”
HR Staff
ลงทะเบียนแล้วค่ะ
long thá-biian lɛ́ɛo khâ
“Yes, the registration has been completed.”
You
ใช้สิทธิรักษาที่โรงพยาบาลไหนครับ
chái sìt rák-sǎa thîi roong-phá-yaa-baan nǎi khráp
“Which hospital can I use my healthcare entitlement at?”
HR Staff
เดี๋ยวเช็กให้ค่ะ
dǐao chék hâi khâ
“I’ll check for you.”
You
ขอบคุณครับ
khɔ̀ɔp-khun khráp
“Thank you.”
Useful Healthcare Vocabulary
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| ประกันสังคม | bprà-gan sǎng-khom | “Social Security” |
| ผู้ประกันตน | phûu bprà-gan dton | “insured person” |
| เงินสมทบ | ngoen sǒm-thóp | “contribution” |
| โรงพยาบาล | roong-phá-yaa-baan | “hospital” |
| สถานพยาบาล | sà-thǎan phá-yaa-baan | “healthcare facility” |
| สิทธิรักษาพยาบาล | sìt rák-sǎa phá-yaa-baan | “healthcare entitlement” |
| ประกันสุขภาพ | bprà-gan sùk-khà-phâap | “health insurance” |
Step 7: Understand Taxes and Your Tax Identification Number
Tax rules can be one of the more complicated parts of moving abroad because your obligations depend on factors such as your income, tax residence, employment, and individual circumstances.
Thailand’s tax authority is:
กรมสรรพากร
grom sǎn-phaa-gɔɔn
“Revenue Department”
A useful term is:
เลขประจำตัวผู้เสียภาษี
lêek bprà-jam dtua phûu sǐia phaa-sǐi
“tax identification number”
The Revenue Department states that taxpayers or income payers who need a tax identification number must obtain and use one. Foreign individuals who do not have a Thai personal identification number may need to apply for a TIN when they become liable to personal income tax.
Thailand generally treats an individual who stays in the country for more than 180 days in a calendar year as a Thai tax resident for personal-income-tax purposes.
Your actual filing and payment obligations depend on your circumstances, so don’t assume that every foreign resident follows the same rules.
Common Tax Vocabulary
ภาษีเงินได้บุคคลธรรมดา
phaa-sǐi ngoen-dâai bùk-khon tham-má-daa
“personal income tax”
หักภาษี ณ ที่จ่าย
hàk phaa-sǐi ná thîi jàai
“withholding tax”
แบบแสดงรายการภาษี
bàep sà-dɛɛng raai-gaan phaa-sǐi
“tax return / tax declaration form”
หนังสือรับรองการหักภาษี ณ ที่จ่าย
nǎng-sʉ̌ʉ ráp-rɔɔng gaan hàk phaa-sǐi ná thîi jàai
“withholding tax certificate”
Essential Thai Phrases
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| ต้องขอเลขประจำตัวผู้เสียภาษีไหมครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng khɔ̌ɔ lêek bprà-jam dtua phûu sǐia phaa-sǐi mái khráp/kha | “Do I need to get a tax identification number?” |
| ต้องใช้เอกสารอะไรบ้างครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng chái èek-gà-sǎan à-rai bâang khráp/kha | “Which documents are required?” |
| ต้องยื่นภาษีเมื่อไหร่ครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng yʉ̂ʉn phaa-sǐi mʉ̂a-rài khráp/kha | “When do I need to file my tax return?” |
| ยื่นภาษีออนไลน์ได้ไหมครับ/คะ | yʉ̂ʉn phaa-sǐi online dâai mái khráp/kha | “Can I file my tax return online?” |
| ขอหนังสือรับรองการหักภาษี ณ ที่จ่ายได้ไหมครับ/คะ | khɔ̌ɔ nǎng-sʉ̌ʉ ráp-rɔɔng gaan hàk phaa-sǐi ná thîi jàai dâai mái khráp/kha | “Can I get a withholding tax certificate?” |
| ช่วยอธิบายเอกสารนี้ได้ไหมครับ/คะ | chûai à-thí-baai èek-gà-sǎan níi dâai mái khráp/kha | “Could you explain this document?” |
Sample Dialogue
Employee
มาติดต่อเรื่องอะไรครับ
maa dtìt-dtɔ̀ɔ rʉ̂ang à-rai khráp
“What are you here about?”
You
อยากสอบถามเรื่องเลขประจำตัวผู้เสียภาษีค่ะ
yàak sɔ̀ɔp-thǎam rʉ̂ang lêek bprà-jam dtua phûu sǐia phaa-sǐi khâ
“I’d like to ask about a tax identification number.”
Employee
มีรายได้ในประเทศไทยแล้วหรือยังครับ
mii raai-dâai nai bprà-thêet Thai lɛ́ɛo rʉ̌ʉ yang khráp
“Do you already have income in Thailand?”
You
มีแล้วค่ะ ต้องใช้เอกสารอะไรบ้างคะ
mii lɛ́ɛo khâ, dtɔ̂ng chái èek-gà-sǎan à-rai bâang kha
“Yes. Which documents are required?”
Employee
ขอดูหนังสือเดินทางก่อนครับ
khɔ̌ɔ duu nǎng-sʉ̌ʉ doen-thaang gɔ̀ɔn khráp
“Let me see your passport first.”
Step 8: Learn Survival Thai for Daily Life
If there’s one skill that makes every other step easier, it’s practical Thai.
You don’t need to speak perfectly.
What matters most is being able to:
- explain why you’re there
- ask which documents are required
- say that you don’t understand
- ask someone to repeat
- ask someone to speak more slowly
- confirm what you need to do next
For focused practice with essential everyday expressions, the ThaiPod101 Survival Phrases series covers useful Thai for common real-life situations.
Four Sentence Patterns You’ll Use Everywhere
Saying What You Want
ต้องการ…ครับ/ค่ะ
dtɔ̂ng-gaan… khráp/khâ
“I’d like / I want…”
Examples:
ต้องการเปิดบัญชีธนาคารครับ/ค่ะ
dtɔ̂ng-gaan bpə̀ət ban-chii thá-naa-khaan khráp/khâ
“I’d like to open a bank account.”
ต้องการติดตั้งอินเทอร์เน็ตครับ/ค่ะ
dtɔ̂ng-gaan dtìt-dtâng in-thəə-nét khráp/khâ
“I’d like to have internet installed.”
Asking What You Need
ต้องใช้…ไหมครับ/คะ
dtɔ̂ng chái… mái khráp/kha
“Do I need…?”
Examples:
ต้องใช้หนังสือเดินทางไหมครับ/คะ
dtɔ̂ng chái nǎng-sʉ̌ʉ doen-thaang mái khráp/kha
“Do I need my passport?”
ต้องใช้เอกสารอะไรบ้างครับ/คะ
dtɔ̂ng chái èek-gà-sǎan à-rai bâang khráp/kha
“Which documents are required?”
Asking for Clarification
พูดอีกครั้งได้ไหมครับ/คะ
phûut ìik khráng dâai mái khráp/kha
“Could you say that again?”
ช่วยพูดช้าๆ หน่อยได้ไหมครับ/คะ
chûai phûut cháa-cháa nɔ̀i dâai mái khráp/kha
“Could you speak a little more slowly?”
Saying You Don’t Understand
ไม่เข้าใจครับ/ค่ะ
mâi khâo-jai khráp/khâ
“I don’t understand.”
พูดภาษาไทยได้นิดหน่อยครับ/ค่ะ
phûut phaa-sǎa Thai dâai nít-nɔ̀i khráp/khâ
“I can speak a little Thai.”
These simple expressions can keep a conversation moving even when you don’t understand every word.
15 Survival Thai Phrases You’ll Use Everywhere
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ | sà-wàt-dii khráp/khâ | “Hello.” |
| ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ | khɔ̀ɔp-khun khráp/khâ | “Thank you.” |
| ขอโทษครับ/ค่ะ | khɔ̌ɔ-thôot khráp/khâ | “Excuse me / I’m sorry.” |
| ไม่เข้าใจครับ/ค่ะ | mâi khâo-jai khráp/khâ | “I don’t understand.” |
| พูดอีกครั้งได้ไหมครับ/คะ | phûut ìik khráng dâai mái khráp/kha | “Could you say that again?” |
| ช่วยพูดช้าๆ หน่อยได้ไหมครับ/คะ | chûai phûut cháa-cháa nɔ̀i dâai mái khráp/kha | “Could you speak a little more slowly?” |
| พูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหมครับ/คะ | phûut phaa-sǎa ang-grìt dâai mái khráp/kha | “Can you speak English?” |
| ต้องใช้อะไรบ้างครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng chái à-rai bâang khráp/kha | “What do I need?” |
| ต้องใช้เอกสารอะไรบ้างครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng chái èek-gà-sǎan à-rai bâang khráp/kha | “Which documents are required?” |
| ต้องไปที่ไหนครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng bpai thîi-nǎi khráp/kha | “Where do I need to go?” |
| เซ็นตรงไหนครับ/คะ | sen dtrong nǎi khráp/kha | “Where do I sign?” |
| แบบนี้ถูกไหมครับ/คะ | bàep níi thùuk mái khráp/kha | “Is this correct?” |
| ต้องทำอะไรต่อครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng tham à-rai dtɔ̀ɔ khráp/kha | “What do I need to do next?” |
| นัดหมายได้ไหมครับ/คะ | nát-mǎai dâai mái khráp/kha | “Can I make an appointment?” |
| ช่วยหน่อยได้ไหมครับ/คะ | chûai nɔ̀i dâai mái khráp/kha | “Could you help me?” |
If you can use these confidently, you’ll already be able to handle the basics of many everyday interactions.
Essential Moving to Thailand Cheat Sheet
Save this section on your phone – you’ll probably use it more than once.
Most Useful Situational Phrases
| Situation | Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration | มาขออนุญาตอยู่ต่อครับ/ค่ะ | maa khɔ̌ɔ à-nú-yâat yùu dtɔ̀ɔ khráp/khâ | “I’m here to apply for an extension of stay.” |
| TM.30 | ขอหลักฐานการแจ้ง ตม.30 ได้ไหมครับ/คะ | khɔ̌ɔ làk-thǎan gaan jâeng dtɔɔ-mɔɔ sǎam-sìp dâai mái khráp/kha | “Could I have proof of the TM.30 notification?” |
| 90-Day Report | ต้องแจ้ง 90 วันเมื่อไหร่ครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng jâeng gâao-sìp wan mʉ̂a-rài khráp/kha | “When do I need to make my 90-day report?” |
| Bank | ต้องการเปิดบัญชีธนาคารครับ/ค่ะ | dtɔ̂ng-gaan bpə̀ət ban-chii thá-naa-khaan khráp/khâ | “I’d like to open a bank account.” |
| Phone | ต้องการซื้อซิมการ์ดครับ/ค่ะ | dtɔ̂ng-gaan sʉ́ʉ sim-gàat khráp/khâ | “I’d like to buy a SIM card.” |
| Utilities | ต้องการติดตั้งอินเทอร์เน็ตครับ/ค่ะ | dtɔ̂ng-gaan dtìt-dtâng in-thəə-nét khráp/khâ | “I’d like to have internet installed.” |
| Social Security | บริษัทลงทะเบียนประกันสังคมให้แล้วหรือยังครับ/คะ | bɔɔ-rí-sàt long thá-biian bprà-gan sǎng-khom hâi lɛ́ɛo rʉ̌ʉ yang khráp/kha | “Has my company registered me for Social Security yet?” |
| Taxes | ต้องขอเลขประจำตัวผู้เสียภาษีไหมครับ/คะ | dtɔ̂ng khɔ̌ɔ lêek bprà-jam dtua phûu sǐia phaa-sǐi mái khráp/kha | “Do I need to get a tax identification number?” |
| Clarification | ช่วยพูดช้าๆ หน่อยได้ไหมครับ/คะ | chûai phûut cháa-cháa nɔ̀i dâai mái khráp/kha | “Could you speak a little more slowly?” |
Administrative Vocabulary
| Thai | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง | sǎm-nák-ngaan dtrùat khon khâo mʉʉang | “Immigration Bureau / immigration office” |
| การขออยู่ต่อ | gaan khɔ̌ɔ yùu dtɔ̀ɔ | “extension of stay” |
| แจ้ง 90 วัน | jâeng gâao-sìp wan | “90-day reporting” |
| แจ้งที่พัก ตม.30 | jâeng thîi-phák dtɔɔ-mɔɔ sǎam-sìp | “TM.30 accommodation notification” |
| หนังสือเดินทาง | nǎng-sʉ̌ʉ doen-thaang | “passport” |
| ใบอนุญาตทำงาน | bai à-nú-yâat tham-ngaan | “work permit” |
| หลักฐานที่อยู่ | làk-thǎan thîi-yùu | “proof of address” |
| บัญชีธนาคาร | ban-chii thá-naa-khaan | “bank account” |
| ประกันสังคม | bprà-gan sǎng-khom | “Social Security” |
| เลขประจำตัวผู้เสียภาษี | lêek bprà-jam dtua phûu sǐia phaa-sǐi | “tax identification number” |
| แบบฟอร์ม | bàep-fɔɔm | “form” |
| เอกสารประกอบ | èek-gà-sǎan bprà-gɔ̀ɔp | “supporting documents” |
How to Prepare Before You Move
The easiest way to reduce stress isn’t memorizing hundreds of vocabulary words. It’s practicing the conversations you’re actually likely to have.
Before arriving in Thailand, focus on situations such as:
- immigration
- communicating with your landlord
- opening a bank account
- getting a phone plan
- setting up utilities
- healthcare
- tax procedures
- shopping
- asking for directions
These situations can have a major impact during your first weeks.
Learn Complete Dialogues
Many learners memorize individual phrases. A better approach is to practice the whole conversation.
For example:
ต้องการเปิดบัญชีธนาคารครับ
dtɔ̂ng-gaan bpə̀ət ban-chii thá-naa-khaan khráp
“I’d like to open a bank account.”
↓
มีหนังสือเดินทางไหมคะ
mii nǎng-sʉ̌ʉ doen-thaang mái kha
“Do you have your passport?”
↓
มีครับ นี่ครับ
mii khráp, nîi khráp
“Yes. Here it is.”
↓
มีหลักฐานที่อยู่ไหมคะ
mii làk-thǎan thîi-yùu mái kha
“Do you have proof of address?”
Learning the whole exchange helps you prepare not just for what you’ll say, but also for what you’ll hear.
Listen Every Day
You don’t need a long study session.
A simple routine could look like this:
- 5 minutes: review useful vocabulary
- 10 minutes: listen to one short dialogue
- 5 minutes: repeat key lines aloud
Consistency matters more than trying to memorize everything at once. The ThaiPod101 Absolute Beginner Lesson Library lets you browse structured Thai lessons by topic and pathway, so you can practice vocabulary, listening, and everyday conversations without planning everything from scratch.
Learn Practical Thai with ThaiPod101
Moving to Thailand isn’t just about knowing vocabulary. It’s about feeling comfortable enough to communicate when you actually need something.
Practical Thai can help with:
- immigration
- housing
- banking
- healthcare
- utilities
- shopping
- transportation
- workplace communication
- everyday conversations
Listening to realistic dialogues is especially useful because it prepares you for both sides of the conversation: what you need to say and what the other person may say back.
For example, ThaiPod101’s How Long Can We Stay in Thailand? lesson includes an immigration-counter conversation and practices asking someone to speak more slowly.
You can also practice vocabulary recall with Thai visual flashcards, which provide illustrated vocabulary practice across many everyday topics.
Whether you’re preparing before your move or you’ve already arrived in Thailand, practicing these situations in advance can make daily life feel much less intimidating.
For a broader collection of practical Thai organized around situations residents encounter every day, read The Ultimate Thai Guide for Living in Thailand: 160+ Essential Phrases for Visa, Immigration, Moving & Daily Life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a visa and an extension of stay in Thailand?
A visa and permission to stay are related, but they are not always the same thing.
For example, Thailand’s official TM.7 is an Application for Extension of Temporary Stay in the Kingdom. In everyday conversation, people often say “visa extension,” but the procedure may technically be extending the period you are permitted to stay.
A useful phrase is:
มาขออนุญาตอยู่ต่อครับ/ค่ะ
maa khɔ̌ɔ à-nú-yâat yùu dtɔ̀ɔ khráp/khâ
“I’m here to apply for an extension of stay.”
What is TM.30?
TM.30 is the notification of a foreign national staying at an accommodation in Thailand.
The Immigration Bureau states that house owners, heads of household, landlords, hotel managers, or other responsible accommodation providers generally need to make the notification within 24 hours of the foreign national’s arrival.
If you’re renting, ask your landlord whether it has been completed.
เจ้าของที่พักแจ้ง ตม.30 แล้วหรือยังครับ/คะ
jâo-khɔ̌ɔng thîi-phák jâeng dtɔɔ-mɔɔ sǎam-sìp lɛ́ɛo rʉ̌ʉ yang khráp/kha
“Has the landlord/accommodation provider submitted the TM.30 notification yet?”
What is 90-day reporting?
Foreign nationals who remain in Thailand for more than 90 consecutive days may need to notify immigration of their continued stay.
This procedure is commonly called:
แจ้ง 90 วัน
jâeng gâao-sìp wan
“90-day reporting”
It is a notification requirement, not an extension of your permitted stay.
Can I do 90-day reporting online?
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau provides an online method for 90-day reporting.
However, eligibility, timing, and system requirements matter, so check the current official instructions before relying on the online option.
Is e-Extension available for everyone?
No.
Immigration Bureau offices currently advertise e-Extension for selected categories and procedures. Availability depends on your specific case.
Check the current immigration information for your category rather than assuming every extension can be completed online.
Can a foreign resident open a Thai bank account?
In many cases, yes, but requirements vary substantially by bank, branch, account type, nationality, and immigration status.
Ask the specific bank which documents it requires before visiting.
A useful phrase is:
ต้องใช้เอกสารอะไรบ้างครับ/คะ
dtɔ̂ng chái èek-gà-sǎan à-rai bâang khráp/kha
“Which documents are required?”
Do I need a Thai phone number?
It isn’t a universal legal requirement for living in Thailand, but it is extremely useful.
A Thai number can make banking, deliveries, mobile applications, account verification, appointments, and communication with local services much easier.
Am I automatically covered by Thai Social Security if I work in Thailand?
Not necessarily in every possible employment situation.
Many employees whose employment falls under Thailand’s Social Security system are registered by their employer as insured persons under Section 33. Ask your employer or the Social Security Office to confirm whether you are registered and which benefits apply to you.
When do I need a Thai tax identification number?
The Revenue Department requires taxpayers or income payers who need a tax identification number to obtain one.
Foreign individuals who do not have a Thai personal identification number may need to apply for a TIN when they become liable to personal income tax.
Your exact obligation depends on your income and circumstances.
When is someone considered a Thai tax resident?
For Thai personal-income-tax purposes, the Revenue Department generally defines a resident as a person who stays in Thailand for periods totaling more than 180 days in a calendar year.
Tax liability can still depend on the type and source of income and other factors, so residence alone doesn’t answer every tax question.
What’s the fastest way to improve my Thai after moving?
Practice the conversations you actually have.
Review the vocabulary you heard at the bank or immigration office, repeat useful questions before appointments, and listen to realistic Thai dialogues so those expressions become familiar before you need them again.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Thailand comes with a long list of administrative tasks, but you don’t need to master all of them at once.
Start with the procedures that apply to your immigration status and permission to stay. Organize your important documents, confirm that your accommodation notification has been handled when required, and keep track of immigration deadlines such as extensions and 90-day reporting. Then work through banking, phone service, utilities, healthcare, and taxes one step at a time.
And remember: you don’t need perfect Thai.
Being able to say ต้องการ…ครับ/ค่ะ (dtɔ̂ng-gaan… khráp/khâ, “I’d like…”), ask ต้องใช้เอกสารอะไรบ้างครับ/คะ (dtɔ̂ng chái èek-gà-sǎan à-rai bâang khráp/kha, “Which documents are required?”), or simply say ไม่เข้าใจครับ/ค่ะ (mâi khâo-jai khráp/khâ, “I don’t understand”) can be enough to keep a conversation moving.
Every appointment gives you another chance to recognize the vocabulary, ask a question, and become more comfortable handling everyday life in Thailand.
When you’re ready to keep building practical Thai through dialogues, vocabulary, and listening practice, start learning real-life Thai with ThaiPod101.
