Thailand (TH)

Thailand is one of the world’s largest expat hubs, combining Bangkok’s regional business ecosystem, Chiang Mai’s remote-worker scene, Phuket and Pattaya’s retirement and tourism communities, and strong international schools and hospitals.

Capital: Bangkok

Region: Asia

Language: Thai

Currency: THB (฿)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 35)

Emergency: 191

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Thailand.

Public Transport Overview

Bangkok has the BTS Skytrain, MRT, Airport Rail Link, buses, river boats, taxis, and motorbike taxis. Outside Bangkok, public transport is patchier: songthaews, tuk-tuks, taxis, Grab/Bolt, intercity vans, and local buses matter more.

Main operators:

BTS SkytrainMRT BangkokAirport Rail LinkBMTA busesState Railway of ThailandTransport Co. intercity busesGrabBoltAirAsiaThai AirwaysBangkok Airways

🎫 Transit Passes

Rabbit Card Top-up stored value

BTS and partner retailers

💡 Useful for Bangkok commuters; not a national transport card.

MRT Stored Value Card Top-up stored value

Bangkok MRT

💡 Separate from Rabbit/BTS in many situations.

SRT / intercity rail tickets Route and class dependent

State Railway of Thailand routes

💡 Book sleepers early for Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Nong Khai, and holiday periods.

Taxi & Rideshare

Meter taxis are common in Bangkok, but refusal to use the meter still happens in tourist zones. Use Grab/Bolt or insist politely on meter. Airport taxi queues add official surcharges and tolls.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Grab is the most established ride-hailing app; Bolt is often cheaper but less consistent. Motorbike taxis are fast but high-risk; wear a helmet and avoid them in heavy rain or after drinking.

Cycling

Cycling is limited by heat, traffic, pollution, and infrastructure. It is more viable in planned areas, university districts, parks, and some Chiang Mai/Phuket neighbourhoods than central Bangkok arterials.

Intercity Trains

Thai trains are affordable and scenic but slower than flying. Sleeper trains are popular for Chiang Mai and southern routes; book ahead around Songkran, New Year, and long weekends.

Driving

Thailand drives on the left. Speed limits: 60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on main roads, 120 km/h on expressways. Traffic fatalities are high by international standards. Residents should obtain a Thai driving licence; police checks and insurance disputes are common for unlicensed drivers.

Airports

Bangkok has Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Samui, Hat Yai, and U-Tapao are major expat/tourism airports. Leave buffer time for immigration, rain, and Bangkok traffic.