PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL

  This section will cover some of the essential formalities and information you need to know before leaving your country to live in Pattaya.

                                              VISAS AND EMBASSIES

  It is advisable to be registered with the Embassy of your country.

Babies Born In Thailand

  Foreigners born in Thailand do not receive Thai citizenship, but you still need to register the birth. The hospital will give you a certificate of birth, which you take to City Hall. You should return a week later with both parents' passports, their marriage certificate and a parent's work permit to collect the birth certificate which is written entirely in Thai. In order to get a passport for the child, a translation of the certificate is required. You should go to your embassy or consulate to register your baby under your name.

Passports and Children

  If you are here for a long stay and have children, we advise you to have individual passports for them and not have them on your own passport. According to Thai law, parents cannot leave the country without the children they arrived with (as stated in your passport). If one parent is leaving with the children, carry a written, signed statement from the other parent giving permission to do so.

Passports and Visas

·        In order to enter Thailand (if you are not a Thai resident), you must have the relevant documents: a valid passport and an appropriate visa. If you stay past the time allowed on your visa by one or two days, you may get away with a fine for each day after expiry of visa, but overstaying is a serious offence and may have worse consequences.

·        If you are coming for a time longer than a brief holiday and expect to leave and re‑enter the country before your visa expires, you must obtain a re‑entry visa, or your existing visa will be invalidated.

·        All visas expire on the expiration date of your passport. Apply for a new passport in good time, in order to start re‑applying for visas.

·        When traveling to other countries six‑months validity is often required.

·        When applying for a visa, there is a fee to pay, and you need two passport sized photographs and two signed copies of every relevant page of your passport. These are the pages identifying you, and all those with Thai entries. If you contemplate a long stay, it is worthwhile having a large batch of photographs taken at once. Close by each immigration office you will find a shop with a camera and a photocopying machine.

On Arrival Permit

  If you are 'in transit' and have a ticket for your continuing journey, you will be given an entry permit on arrival in Thailand. This is valid for 15 days, but application to the Immigration Office may result in an extension of a further 7 days. This permit is not issued to all nationalities, but it does include USA, Japan, Australia and most European countries. New Zealand, Scandinavian and South Korean nationals are eligible for a special permit for 90 days extendable for 35 days but since the 7th of February '95 a new permit valid for 30 days (without a visa) has been extended to citizens of more than 50 countries, including Australia, France, Japan, South Korea, USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, South Africa etc. Check with your embassy.

On Arrival Visa

  If in 'transit' and not entitled to the above permit, obtain a 'Visa on Arrival'. You need your passport and ticket for the completion of your journey. This 15-day tourist visa can be extended for 1 week only; the fee is B500.

Tourist Visa (30 days)                 

  Obtain this before departure from the Royal Thai Embassy in your own country. Although valid for 90 days (according to the dates stamped on your visa) this tourist visa entitles you to only 60 days in the country.  It may be extended for a further 30 days. Extensions are obtained from the Immigration Office. It may be renewed for 60 more days at the Royal Thai Embassy in another country. Singapore and Penang are popular renewal spots. Details of 'visa runs' may be obtained from travel agents. A limit may be put on the number of renewals allowed. The fee for extension is B500.

Non Immigrant Visa (90 days)

  Obtain this before departure from the Royal Thai Embassy in your own country. You must have a valid reason for needing this length of stay, a bona fide, lengthy business trip, or a letter from the company you are going to. An extension of 30 days may be obtained from the Immigration Office. The extension fee will be B500.

Non Immigrant Visa (one year)

  This is usually only granted when a work‑permit has been obtained. The spouse of a work‑permit holder will usually be granted this visa also. The marriage certificate must be produced. A photocopy is not accepted. Sometimes without apparent reason, this visa is granted only for shorter periods of time but may be extended without leaving the country. Each child on a separate passport needs a visa.

Retirement One Year Visa

  If you are over 50, and in a financial position to retire, you may be granted this visa, which after three or more years, could lead to permanent residency. If you are considering this, obtain up‑to‑date information covering your particular circumstances from the Immigration Office. There will be a financial security requirement, possibly a health requirement, plus proof of no police record, and possibly a basic knowledge of Thai.

Re‑entry Visa

  If you are leaving the country temporarily before your visa expires, obtain a re‑entry visa from the Immigration Office. You will need two passport photographs, and a photocopy of your visa and passport. For convenience, you may purchase several at once. The cost is the same, currently B500 each, but only one session of form filling is involved.

Work Permit

  A work permit is only granted if your job could not be filled by a Thai national. Normally your company will have obtained this for you.

WARNING: Annual visa holders and applicants, irrespective of the number of times you visit the Immigration Office, must still fill a form in every 90 days to confirm your place of residence or face a fine.  

IMPORT/EXPORT

Importing Personal Effects ‑ theoretically, personal effects can only be imported if you have a work permit, although some shippers can got around this problem. If you are coming to work for a company, their shipping department should handle everything for you. Otherwise, it is advisable to employ the services of a reputable broker/clearance house, located in Thailand, to facilitate the passage of shipped household effects through customs. Whatever the requirements of your shipping agent, you cannot supply too many details of the contents and value of your personal effects, so as to avoid any litigation in case of 'losses' or breakage.

Import Duty ‑ Imported personal effects can be taxed up to 160%. Make sure you sort this out in advance.

Illegal Imports ‑ Drugs, pornographic books and films, and certain types of plants, fruits and vegetables

Warning! Drug offences can carry the death penalty in Thailand.

Illegal Exports ‑ It is illegal to export Buddha images. For antiques and works of art, it is necessary to obtain an export permit from the National Museum, export permit division (Tel: (02) 226 1661). This could take some time.

Tax Free ‑ When leaving your country to take up residence in a foreign country for at least 6 months, VAT (Value Added Tax) may be claimed back on goods bought for export. Normally the main procedure is:

Buy goods in your country at full price including tax. Obtain relevant forms from the retailer. On embarkation, present all the forms and goods to the Customs. The forms will be verified by Customs and sent back to the retailer. Refund will be received from the retailer when forms are returned to them by Customs. (Refer to your Customs & Excise for further details).

Pets – It is advisable to contact the Thai Embassy/Consulate in your home country for information before departure.

·        An entry permit for animals coming by air can be obtained at the airport.

·        A Health Certificate in English identifying the animal (breed, sex, age, color and markings, name and address of the owner), stating that it is free from rabies, leptosporosis, ectoparasitism and vaccinated against other significant infectious or contagious disease like distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus etc.

·        The country of origin must have been free of rabies for at least 12 months OR the animal is vaccinated against rabies with an approved vaccine 21 days prior to departure.

·        The animal should be vaccinated against leptosporosis at least 21 days prior to departure OR tested negative to the disease within 30 days of departure.

·        The animal may be retained in quarantine for 30 days, according to the Requirements for the Importation of Dogs and Cats into the Kingdom of Thailand from the Department of Livestock Development.

·        To simplify procedures, it is recommended that your pet travel on the same flight as you, as 'excess baggage'. In this case your costs will be the excess baggage fee and the import duty charged on arrival in Thailand.

·        Customs officials have a list of breeds and their values. Based on the value of your breed as determined by this list you will be charged around 40% duty, which may be subject to bargaining. If traveling as cargo, the process may be longer and more expensive. You will be charged around 40% duty on the cost of the ticket (Airway Bill) plus around 40% duty on the animal itself. If your pet has been neutered, the fee should be less.

·        A customs clearing agent may facilitate the process and advise you of the costs you can expect to incur.

·        Upon leaving Thailand, bear in mind that many countries require a long quarantine period, which can be extremely expensive. 

WHAT TO BRING AND WHAT NOT TO BRING

  In most cases you will arrive quite some time before your shipment. How long before will depend on shipping duration and clearance once within Thailand. Often, a work permit is required before goods can be released and exempt from duty, although some companies will have special arrangements to get around this.

  Bear in mind that you could be in Thailand without your shipment for two weeks to three months. You will need to plan carefully what you will bring with you in your initial luggage. Some companies will allow certain amounts of airfreight (egg 100kg) to get you started otherwise you are limited to 20‑30kg.

Initial Luggage...

To begin with you may be staying in a hotel or serviced apartment.

  Homeware are of little necessity. If you must move directly into your new home then it is easy to purchase a few basic needs at the supermarket without great expense. Laundry services are available everywhere. Most supermarkets in Pattaya are now very well stocked with Western products and pharmacies have most of what you can get at home. If you have children it may be easier to have a few essential items at hand for the first few days. Aside from being unsettled yourself, your children will most likely be more unsettled.

Babies and Young Children

  Carry‑cot/Travel cot ‑ (not always available in hotels and difficult to purchase) Having your child's own cot may help them settle better. Push‑chair/Stroller. Bottles, sterilizes. Baby car seat ‑ (not readily available here). Car rear seatbelts ‑ (not all cars are fitted with these). Favorite toys, books, and videos. Some favorite foods Disposable napkins (Pampers) only for the first few days, as these are readily available here. Baby‑food ‑ for first few days only, as there is a good range available here. First aid kit. Check your child's vaccination program, as they may be due when you arrive. Although vaccinations are available here you may prefer to continue them on the same course and bring the vaccinations with you. Children’s sandals and shoes Baby sunscreen cream. Light clothing and one pullover (sweater) and one pair of trousers to take on the plane.

Adults

  Light, comfortable, summer clothing, some nice summer outfits for evening outings and one light pullover (sweater). Swimsuit ‑ (adequate sizing difficult to find here). Comfortable shoes/sandals Electrical adapters, if you plan to bring electrical appliances e.g. hairdryer. (Bear in mind that the voltage here is 220V.)

Shipment...

Some companies will allow a certain amount of air‑freight (e.g. 100kg) whilst

others provide a container.

Personal Requirements

  It is advisable to bring a good amount of light summer clothing. In the bazaars and markets, clothes are very cheap but not of a very good quality. In stores, finding your size will be almost impossible. Many clothes will be made from synthetics, and the styles will be rather fancy. Tailoring is a worthwhile option although finding good quality dress fabrics is not easy. Comfortable shoes of a reasonable quality and in your size will also be difficult to find. Useful items‑Summer clothing with warmer clothing if you plan to travel to The North. Underwear ‑ Cotton sports socks ‑ Summer shoes ‑ Men’s socks for large sizes Swimsuit ‑ Special shampoos ‑ Hair coloring ‑ Imported brands of cosmetics are available but expensive ‑ Sports clothing and equipment is available here although the range and quality may not be as good and the prices no cheaper.

Babies, Young Children and New Mothers

  Most supermarkets and department stores in Pattaya are now very well stocked with children’s' and babies items. Milk formulas and baby foods of a good variety are available. Children’s and baby clothing are readily available and of a good quality and price. Imported toys are not cheap, but there is a good range of locally made toys that are inexpensive. Good quality shoes that fit are hard to find.

Useful items:

  Educational books, cassettes and videos ‑ Children's shoes ‑ Paracetamol ‑ Suppositories ‑ Large size nursing bras ‑ High‑chair/push‑chair (stroller) ‑ Breastpump.

Household Requirements:

  In Thailand, you will be able to buy most household items. Some things may be more expensive and difficult to find, and others may be cheaper and readily available. However, if you have all these things at home and have enough freight space to bring them, then rather than doubling‑up on many items, it may be worthwhile bringing them in your shipment. How much you bring may also depend on how long you will be here. If it will be for a short time, then you may be prepared to get by with the basics. If you are to be here for a long time then your stay might be made more comfortable by bringing your modem conveniences with you. Bringing some pictures and oddments will make your house feel more homely.

Electrical Goods:

  Voltage here is 220V/5OHz; with a two‑pin plug (as in Europe). Bring adapters and/or transformers. Power‑board with power surge protector General electrical appliances such as microwave coffee machine, toaster, vacuum cleaner etc are available here. Prices may be more expensive.

Useful items:

·        Steam iron ‑ hard to find of good quality and price

·        Check video system, which in Thailand is PAL

·        Food processor

Crockery:

  Everyday ware readily available.

Glassware/Cutlery:

  High quality items are hard to find.

Kitchenware:

  More and more kitchen products are becoming available.

What can be found:

  Plastic storage containers ‑ Pyrex dishes ‑ Saucepans ‑Selected kitchen utensils such as whisks, bottle‑openers and can‑openers

What cannot be found easily:

  Garlic crusher ‑ Potato peeler ‑ Nutcracker ‑ Kitchen scales ‑ Measuring cups and spoons ‑ Sifter ‑ Casserole dishes ‑ Salad shaker (spinner)

What cannot be found:

  String type dish cloths ‑ Good stain removal agents

Linen:

  Beds are usually king‑size and single‑beds are usually oversized. Good quality linen here is very expensive. Light cotton blankets and towels are readily available

Food:

  What foodstuffs you will want will largely be determined by your nationality. Many Western food products are available in supermarkets, but any specialty foods may be harder to come by and/or very expensive. A good range of cereals and biscuits can be obtained:‑ You may miss items, according to nationality, e.g.:‑ French ‑ cheeses, saucisson: English Marmite (Vegemite only available), Bisto.