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Moving to Thailand from Singapore
Visas, Taxes, Costs and Expat Life
Moving to Thailand from Singapore is an exciting venture. You get to experience beautiful beaches, vibrant city life, and the possibility of island hopping and wild nature. Keep reading and find your ultimate guide about visas, taxes, the way of life in Thailand, and more.
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Cost of Moving to Thailand
The cost of moving to Thailand ranges from S$ 1,956 to S$ 4,994 and the average shipping duration via sea freight is 2-4 days.
| Size of Apartment | Costs of Sea Freight | Air Freight |
| 1 BD Apartment | S$ 1,956 – S$ 2,164 | S$ 3,726 – S$ 4,123 |
| 3 BD Apartment | S$ 3,010 – S$ 3,330 | N/A |
| 5 BD Apartment | S$ 4,516 – S$ 4,994 | N/A |
*These costs are estimates and may fluctuate based on season, route, and shipping weight.
Before trying to request moving quotes or estimate the costs of your move, it’s important to know the volume of what you’re moving. The more items you move, the higher the costs. Trimming your belongings down to the essentials is advised if you’re looking to reduce costs. Use our volume calculator below to get an accurate estimate.
Request Your Free Moving Quotes
Requesting quotes from movers is the surest way to get accurate moving cost estimates. Using our quote form, you can receive up to five free quotes from movers. This will increase your chances of finding the best deal for yourself and your needs.
Companies For Moving to Thailand
- Moovaz
- Alliance Movers
- Reddot Movers
2 ratings as "Friendly"
If you wish to do more research look at our international movers.
Visa Requirements Thailand
Does Thailand require a visa? If Singaporeans stay longer than 60 days, they need a visa.
If you plan on moving to Thailand for longer, to work, study, or for other reasons, you must apply for a visa through the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore. You can apply for any of the following visas:
- Business or working visa
- Study visa
- Long-term stay visa
- Spousal visa
To acquire a visa you will need to meet the following requirements:
- A valid passport & extra passport photo
- Proof of permanent residence in the country where the application is submitted
- Proof of financials & medical certificate
- Insurance certificate & health insurance
- Proof of no criminal record
Cost of Living in Thailand
The cost of living in Thailand is around 57% lower than Singapore’s.
Below you can find some cost of living comparisons from Singapore and Thailand:
| Product | Cost in Singapore | Cost in Thailand |
| Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant | S$ 15.00 | S$ 3.91 |
| Cappuccino | S$ 6.36 | S$ 2.71 |
| 12 Eggs | S$ 4.41 | S$ 2.80 |
| Chicken (1kg) | S$ 12.66 | S$ 3.65 |
| Water (1,5L) | S$ 1.92 | S$ 0.66 |
| Bottle of Wine | S$ 35.00 | S$ 23.45 |
| Monthly Bus Pass | S$ 120.00 | S$ 46.90 |
*These numbers are estimates from November 2024. Source: Numbeo
Taxes in Thailand
The income tax in Thailand for expats is 35% which is lower than the 45% in Singapore.
Thailand considers all who stay in Thailand for 180 days or more, as tax residents. Tax residents are taxed on all their income derived in Thailand and all foreign income brought to Thailand in the same tax year. The income tax rates are lower than in Singapore.
If you are a non-tax resident, you will only be taxed on your income earned in Thailand, not your foreign income.
Facts About Thai Culture
Did you know the head is the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture and people avoid touching others on the head?
Thai culture emphasizes hierarchy, Buddhism, spirituality, and harmony. Below are some characteristics of Thai culture.
- Religion: Buddhism plays a huge role in Thai culture, and values like respect for elders, karma, and humility shape the cultural norms.
- Language and communication: Thai is the main language, and English is understood in touristic areas. Confrontation like saying “no” is often avoided in Thai communication.
- Social hierarchy: Respect for authority and elders is a given in Thailand, and social hierarchy is based on age, position, and family background.
- Food: Thailand has a big street food culture and mealtimes are usually social events. The food often contains lemongrass, chilies, and lime.
- National identity: National pride around the Thai monarchy is big in Thailand and people are loyal to the king.
- Work culture: Thai work culture values relationships and good work environments next to productivity.
Best Places to Live in Thailand for Expats
- Phuket: Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is often voted the best place for expats.
- Bangkok: The capital of Thailand offers vibrant city life. Bangkok is a great option for expats offering plenty of job opportunities, and quality healthcare.
- Koh Samui: Koh Samui is the perfect place for fitness and well-being enthusiasts.
- Krabi: Krabi has a more relaxed and remote lifestyle but offers unique limestone cliffs, beautiful waters, and plenty of outdoor and water activities.
- Kanchanaburi: The city is near Bangkok, which makes it an idyllic getaway from the big city lifestyle.
Expat Life in Thailand
Finding nice expat communities in Thailand can increase your chances of integrating well. Thailand has a club for Singapore expats that hosts dinners, festivals, get-togethers, and more. Have a look at the Singapore Club of Thailand for more information.
Work in Thailand for Foreigners
Singaporeans who are moving to Thailand for work must acquire a work visa before arrival. Additionally, you must earn at least minimum wage to qualify for a work visa.
Work permit requirements:
- Passport
- Photo taken in the last 6 months
- Proof of residence (current)
- Financial proof
- Approval letter from the Ministry of Labour
Work in Thailand for foreigners is harder to find if you don’t speak Thai. Some jobs are also not legally permitted for foreigners. However, many international companies hire expats.
Below are the best sites to find work for expats in Thailand:
Education in Thailand
The best education in Thailand for expats? For expats, international or private schools are usually the best option, as they offer education in English.
The education system in Thailand consists of public, private, and international schools (also private). The stages of education are preschool, primary, and secondary education.
Private schools of course come with monthly or yearly tuition fees, which can be significantly more expensive than public schools. International schools also follow a more Western curriculum instead of a traditional Thai curriculum.
Healthcare in Thailand and Costs
The cost of healthcare in Thailand is much lower than the cost of healthcare in Singapore, the US, and Western Europe. Thailand offers both public and private healthcare, but expats should in most cases opt for private healthcare.
Working Singapore expats are included in the public healthcare, Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) through their salary payments. The UCS assigns all new working expats to a hospital that will be their go-to treatment place.
Ready to Move to Thailand
We hope that after reading this article you feel excited and prepared for your move to Thailand. If you have any questions, please see our FAQs below, and remember to ask for your moving quotes!
