AbijahThailand is now a popular choice for families who want friendly people and a cheaper lifestyle. If you’re planning to relocate without spending a fortune, this guide is for you.
Here, I’ll walk you through the cheapest ways to move to Thailand with family covering visas, cost-saving tips, and the real monthly budget for a household of four. Let’s make your family’s move smooth and affordable.
Step 1: Choose the Visa That Fits Your Budget
Your visa decides how easy your move will be. While Thailand doesn’t offer a direct “family visa,” there are affordable routes you can take.
Non-Immigrant O Visa: Best for families with Thai relatives or for people who are retired. Costs about $80, valid for 90 days, and extensions are possible. With a Thai spouse, you can extend under the Marriage Visa option by showing 400,000 THB in savings.
Education (ED) Visa: Enroll your children in language or cultural classes for less than $500 a year. Parents can then apply for Guardian Visas linked to the child’s ED Visa. This setup allows a family to stay for a year with roughly $1,000 in fees.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): For $270, you get six months (extendable once). Families with kids under 20 can apply, and it’s especially helpful for remote workers.
Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A): For anyone over 50, this visa requires proof of 800,000 THB savings or 65,000 THB monthly income. It covers your spouse but not children over 20.
Avoid expensive options like the Elite Visa, which starts at 900,000 THB. Always apply through embassies for the most up-to-date rules.
Step 2: Plan Your Relocation on a Budget
Moving abroad doesn’t have to be pricey if you plan smart.
Flights: Travel off-season (May–October) to save. Round-trip tickets from the US to Bangkok often cost $800–$1,200 per person.
Packing: Bring essentials only. Sell what you can at home and replace items cheaply in Thailand. Shipping a container by sea costs $2,000–$4,000, but many families just fly with luggage and rent furnished places.
Housing: Outside Bangkok, rentals are affordable. In Chiang Mai, a three-bedroom home costs $450–$750 monthly.
Health Insurance: Local plans start at about $100 a month for families—far cheaper than international ones.
Schooling: International schools are pricey, but local and bilingual schools cost only $150–$300 per term.
Documents: Get your marriage, birth, and school papers certified before leaving to avoid delays.
Step 3: Family Budget Breakdown
Living in Thailand with four people usually costs $2,100–$2,700 per month. Here’s how it adds up:
Housing: $600–$1,200 (cheaper in suburbs and smaller towns).
Food: $450–$750 (mix street food and cooking at home).
Utilities & Internet: $90–$150. Limit AC use to save.
Transport: $60–$120. Use buses, bikes, or buy a scooter.
Education: $150–$600 per child. Public and local schools are much cheaper than international ones.
Healthcare & Extras: $150–$300. Doctor visits usually cost $20–$50.
Costs in Bangkok can rise to $3,000 monthly, while smaller towns bring expenses down to $1,800.
Step 4: Tips for Families with Children
Relocating with kids takes extra planning.
- Visit first with a tourist visa (60 days, extendable) to test daily life.
- Pick child-friendly places—Chiang Mai for cooler weather, or Koh Samui for beaches.
- Enroll kids in schools early. International schools can cost over $8,000 a year, but bilingual schools are half that. Homeschooling is also allowed if you travel a lot.
- Keep them healthy—vaccinate against hepatitis and typhoid.
- Join expat groups for support and local advice.
- Teach kids basic Thai greetings so they adjust faster.
Stick to local habits: shop at markets, ride buses, and enjoy Thai meals instead of pricey Western food.
Step 5: Build Your New Life in Thailand
After arrival, open a Thai bank account and get a SIM card (around $10/month).
If you need income, consider remote work like teaching English or freelancing—many families earn $2,000+ this way. If you get a local job, switch to a work visa.
Build a social network by joining community events and expat meetups. Renew your visa on time to avoid penalties. Culture shock is normal, but Thailand’s easygoing “mai pen rai” (no worries) spirit makes it easier.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can move to Thailand with your family without spending too much. By choosing budget-friendly visas like ED or DTV, living simply, and planning ahead, you can make it work. Countless families already do this, saving money while enjoying life in a beautiful country.
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