1. Cost of living: Thailand generally has a lower cost of living than the Philippines, particularly in terms of housing and transportation. Food and entertainment options are also more affordable in Thailand.
2. Infrastructure: Thailand has a more developed infrastructure than the Philippines, with better roads, public transportation, and healthcare facilities.
3. Tourism industry: Thailand has a more established tourism industry than the Philippines, with a wider range of attractions and more developed infrastructure to support tourists.
4. Language barrier: English is more widely spoken in the Philippines than in Thailand, which may make it easier for foreigners to communicate and navigate daily life.
5. Cultural differences: The two countries have distinct cultures and customs, which may appeal to different types of people.

Ultimately, the decision to choose one country over the other will depend on individual preferences and priorities. Both Thailand and the Philippines offer unique experiences and opportunities, and it’s up to each person to decide which country is the best fit for them.

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1. Affordable cost of living: Thailand is a paradise for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all relatively inexpensive, which means you can enjoy a comfortable life without breaking the bank.
2. High quality of life: Despite its lower cost of living, Thailand offers a high standard of living with access to modern amenities, such as world-class healthcare facilities, international schools, and high-speed internet. You can enjoy the best of both worlds – a great quality of life without sacrificing your budget.
3. Warm and friendly people: Thai people are known for their warm and welcoming nature, and many people enjoy the friendly and laid-back atmosphere of Thai society. You’ll feel right at home in no time, surrounded by the smiling faces and kind hearts of the Thai people.
4. Beautiful natural scenery: Thailand is a land of natural beauty, from the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters to the lush forests and majestic mountains. You can explore the stunning landscapes, soak up the sunshine, and experience the wonders of nature in all their glory.
5. Rich culture and history: Thailand has a rich cultural heritage that is deeply ingrained in everyday life. From ancient temples and historic landmarks to colorful festivals and traditional customs, Thailand offers a wealth of cultural experiences that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and discover the fascinating history of this amazing country.
6. Business opportunities: Thailand is a land of opportunity, with a rapidly growing economy and many opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand offers a gateway to other markets in the region. So, whether you’re starting a new business or expanding an existing one, Thailand is the perfect place to grow and thrive.

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1. Affordable cost of living: Thailand offers a lower cost of living compared to many Western countries, making it an attractive option for people seeking a more affordable lifestyle. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all relatively inexpensive, which can allow people to live comfortably on a modest income.
2. Beautiful natural scenery: Thailand is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, from pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters to lush forests and majestic mountains. Many people are drawn to Thailand’s beautiful landscapes and enjoy exploring the country’s natural wonders.
3. Rich culture and history: Thailand has a rich cultural heritage that is deeply ingrained in everyday life. From ancient temples and historic landmarks to colorful festivals and traditional customs, Thailand offers a wealth of cultural experiences that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
4. Warm and friendly people: The people of Thailand are known for their warm and friendly nature, and many people enjoy the welcoming and hospitable atmosphere of Thai society. Whether you’re in the bustling city or a small rural village, you’re likely to be greeted with smiles and kindness.
5. Delicious cuisine: Thai cuisine is renowned around the world for its delicious flavors and unique combinations of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty. With a wide variety of dishes to choose from, Thai cuisine offers a culinary experience that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Overall, Thailand offers a unique and attractive lifestyle for those seeking a more affordable, culturally rich, and natural way of life. It’s no wonder that so many people have chosen to call Thailand their home.

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First and foremost, Thailand boasts a rich and vibrant culture that is both fascinating and beautiful. With its stunning temples, colorful festivals, and unique traditions, there is always something new and exciting to discover in Thailand.

And let’s not forget about the breathtaking natural scenery! From pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters to lush forests and stunning mountains, Thailand is a paradise for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on a tropical island or trek through the jungle, Thailand has it all.

Of course, one cannot talk about Thailand without mentioning its mouth-watering cuisine. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its delicious flavors and unique combinations of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty. From street food to high-end restaurants, Thailand offers a culinary experience that is not to be missed.

And the best part? Thailand is incredibly affordable! Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to splurge, you’ll find that Thailand offers incredible value for your money. From affordable accommodation to delicious street food, Thailand won’t break the bank.

Last but certainly not least, the people of Thailand are some of the friendliest and most hospitable you’ll ever meet. Whether you’re in the bustling city of Bangkok or the quiet countryside, you’ll be greeted with warm smiles and open arms.

So what are you waiting for? Come and experience the magic of Thailand for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!

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2 Visa Options 

The two easy ways to get your visa extended are a short-term extension and a long-term extension. Which of these suits you best depends on your circumstances, but if you have a tourist visa, it is likely that the short-term extension is the best option for you. If granted, the short visa gives you an additional 30-60 days stay in the country. Sometimes this can be negotiated to 90 days, depending on why you are seeking it. 

A long-term extension is for a minimum of 90 days and can be valid for up to a year, and this is more likely to be granted if your original visa was a non-immigration visa.  These visas are generally for people who have a work permit and valid employment in the country. 

Where to Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension 

The best way to apply is to go to Bangkok and visit the Office of the Thai Immigration Department and apply in person. Technically you can apply at local offices outside of Bangkok, but all they do is take the paperwork and send it to the head office in Bangkok. Not only does this increase the decision time; however, they are notorious for losing paperwork. It is better to go directly to the primary office. 

The office opens each morning and operates a queuing system. There is generally no quiet period, so you are better off turning up at a time that suits you and joining the line. The decision is not instant, but you need to make the application in person using the TM.7 form and have all your supporting documentation with you. Your application can be made within 30 days of your current visa expiring, and you should ensure that you do not leave it too late, as being on an expired visa and then trying to extend it can end badly. 

Re-Entry Permit

If you stay in Thailand for a while, you should also apply for a re-entry permit. Without this, you will not be granted permission to return if you leave the country for even a few days. If you do not have the permit, you start the whole visa application process again, and your current paperwork becomes invalid. If you are in the country for 90 days or more, you must submit a 90-day report each time you hit that key count – days 90, 180, 270, 360, etc. This involves reporting to your local office and reconfirming details such as your address. If you have a SMART visa, this becomes an annual commitment rather than every 90 days. If you stay in the country for three or more years, you become entitled to apply for residency. 

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Thai Work Visa

The first thing to do before booking flights or making any firm plans is to apply for a working visa in Thailand. This is done from your home country by heading to the Consulate or Embassy for Thailand. It is classed as a Category B Non-Immigrant Visa. To apply, your passport needs to be valid for at least six more months and have two blank visa pages. If you intend to apply for a more extended one-year visa, your passport must be valid for 18 months. You will need to complete the application form, which can be downloaded from the website or collected from the embassy. The other requirements are standard, including police clearance and proof of financial stability (20,000 to 40,000 Thai baht deepening on your circumstance). You also need a Letter of Approval from the Thailand Ministry of Labour – which your employer applies for on your behalf. 

Thailand Work Permit 

To qualify for a work permit, your employer has to meet certain conditions that can be found online, including already employing at least 50 Thai nationals. There are limits on how many non-citizens each company is allowed to employ, based on registered capital and the fact they may have one foreign employee per 50 local employees. The application process is long, and you must present evidence of your work visa, passport, and proof of things like accommodation, work contract, salary and qualifications. There are further requirements if your spouse is a Thai national, including your marriage certificate. Any documents you submit must have been legalised in your home country and translated into Thai. A work permit can be issued for 3, 6 or 12 months and can potentially be extended. 

Extension of Stay 

Once your work visa and permits are approved, you are then required to apply for an extension of stay, which is done via the Immigration Bureau. This has to be done within 90 days of entering the country. If approved, you will be given a further 12-month extension backdated to the date you initially entered the country. You will need to continue to complete the renewal process every year if you wish to remain in the country. Still, after the third year, you become eligible to apply for the permanent residence permit. Finally, if you want to go on holiday or return home during your time in Thailand, you need to obtain a re-entry permit, or you will not be allowed back in. 

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Bangkok vs Chiang Mai vs Pattaya

Most retirees choose to move to one of the three main tourist hotspots. The lifestyle is different for each, so it’s essential to pick the place that suits you best. Pattaya is a beachside city with a vibrant and busy feel. It is not partilculoaltry chilled or laid back; for some, this helps them feel younger for longer. If you are looking for a quieter lifestyle, you may prefer Chiang Mai. It has a lovely heritage, old city streets, stunning temples, and fewer tourist attractions. Finally, Bangkok is also known for its bustling and loud nightlife, and you will find other ex-pats more spread out, so it could be harder to make friends. 

Cost of Living

Living costs in Thailand are estimated to be anywhere from 35% to 75% less than life in the USA. If you are looking to rent, not buy, you can save around 70% for a comparative property, making pension monies go a lot further. For example, a one-bed apartment in New York attracts a rent of about $3000 a month, whereas, in Bangkok, this would be about $550. You can potentially save even more if you are looking to live outside of the city, where you may snap up a great apartment for $300. When it comes to food, you can live a moderately frugal life if you eat like a local. You will find that imported international goods are significantly more expensive than local produce. 

Health and Safety 

Healthcare in Thailand is world-class, but you will need to pay for private health insurance unless you are an ex-pat with a private sector job. As a retiree, you will find that the plans for private health insurance are very reasonable. Thailand is also one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia, with very low crime rates. As a retiree, you would just need to guard against crimes of financial opportunity such as pickpocketing. Locals are generally welcoming, but if you live in any of the three main areas above, you will also find thriving ex-pat communities. The biggest challenge is the language barrier, so finding other English speakers will make things much more manageable. To fit in, you should make every effort to adopt the local dress code and embrace customs. Otherwise, you may find that you are labelled a rude outsider. 

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Oil Prices and Low Cost of Living

In an interview in June, he spoke about the benefits of Thailand as a tourist destination. It is not the most favourable situation economically, but the Thai Baht is currently weak, which means that a holiday to Thailand could see you spending even less on your break than you have done pre-Covid. The value of the Baht has fallen around 20% during the pandemic duration. Still, he believes things will now change for the better, especially with oil prices surging, creating more expensive travel costs in a lot of other destinations.

A Return to Normal

Another factor contributing to a surge in tourist visa applications is the fact that pre-pandemic conditions are returning as they scrap the mask mandate and drop the pre-travel requirement that visitors must have at least two vaccine doses before arriving. It is thought that the tourist industry creates 20% of all jobs and generates 12% of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). 

Wellness Tourism 

The forecast that predicts the tourist visa surge is also down to Thailand’s cannabis legalisation is not focusing on an illegal trade but rather on the health and wellness sector of the tourism industry. The ability to harness the purported medical benefits of marijuana remains illegal in many countries. So, people are willing to travel as tourists to areas where it is no longer criminal to try the food and medicine that has been infused for medication. It is currently still not permissible purely for recreational purposes in Thailand, but the Minister did not rule that out, stating it will be considered in due course. 

A Prediction of Visitor Numbers 

In 2019 there were 40 million tourists flying into Thailand, and the minister is well aware of the challenges the country faces to recover the industry and attract these sorts of numbers in a post-pandemic world. However, the forecast is confident that in 2023 visitor numbers will hit 20 million and continue to grow into 2024, reaching 30 million. Initial signs are positive; in May, tourist visa arrivals were up by 78%, although overall, the government is only looking to attract around 7.5 million holidaymakers this year. However, this could be pushed to about 10 million if the war in Ukraine were to end or the Chinese travellers returned to normal as previously many of them would come to Thailand for their extended holidays in October time. It is looking positive as free travel has been reestablished between China and Thailand for business travellers and students. 

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In some cases, no visa is needed as countries have mutual agreements that citizens are free to travel. When a tourist visa is issued, it will have a time limit, often 30 or 90 days. For most people, this is plenty of time, and even if you overstay, the consequences are minimal. However, some governments are very strict and do not like people to overstay their welcome. The punishments can range from fines to prison sentences and restrictions on ever returning. The three countries below have some of the harshest penalties, so be sure to understand the validity of the visa and when you would need to apply for a tourist visa extension to avoid problems. 

1) Thailand

If you overstay your visa in Thailand, you are committing a serious crime. Staying even two or three days longer than allowed can see you sent to local prisons, which are unsanitary and cramped. The punishment does not end there; the mildest form of punishment sees offenders banned from returning for more than five years and immediate deportation. However, due to the perceived level of crime, it is much more likely that you will be fined up to $10,000, and the black marks on your passport will make it much harder to get visas for other countries as your records are checked on every application. You will also need to get a travel visa extension granted to cover the overstay, or you could make things a lot worse. 

2) Russia

Russia is another country you do not want to risk getting stuck in with an expired visa. You will be arrested, fined and deported. After being arrested, you will be placed in jail, and they will make you apply to the authorities for an exit visa. You may not leave on an expired tourist, and an exit visa can take up to 20 days. During this time, you will be a prisoner and have little to no contact with family and friends. Again you will then be restricted from reentering for a period – generally, at least three years and your records will be marked, making it harder to travel.

3) China

Overstaying your visa in China is also not an experience you want to risk. You will be arrested and unable to leave the country. In a move similar to Russia, you will have to apply for an exit visa which takes time to be approved. While you are waiting, you pay a daily fine that increases for each additional day it takes to approve the exit visa. The best advice for all countries with visa entry is to ensure you apply for a tourist visa extension well in advance if you know you will exceed the initially agreed length of stay. This way, you can avoid problems, and as with most things, ignorance of the rules is not a valid defence and will not get you out of the punishments. 

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The answer is YES.

And the following with explain how is the procedures and what documents you will need to get a marital status in Thailand.

How 2 Foreigners get married in Thailand

Procedures

The number of foreigners entering Thailand for marriage has been soaring during the pandemic. While the whole world was blocked, Thailand is one of the first places to open its border and because of that, hundreds of long-distance couples who were separated by the harsh border restrictions imposed by countries, were given the chance to get married in Thailand, and get a legal marital status so that they can both get into the same country without being separated again.

Though it is written in Thailand’s law that foreigners are allowed to get married in the country, there have been extremely clumsy procedures to be followed, as well as documents to be prepared.

Follow the below steps so you can manage it yourself:

1. Get to the Amphur (local district office) for registration

Amphur in Thai means local district offices, they are responsible for all the administration work in the district where they located, including the registration and date booking for marriage and divorce.

Though there is at least 1 Amphur in each region, not all of them would provide service for foreigners. Only the Bang Rak District Office (Amphur) in Bangkok would do. So that means, you must head to if you are not a Thai passport holder, even your partner is a local Thai. Call a Grab Car or taxi and let the driver lead you the way.

2. Submit Documents and Filing of Marriage Date

Walk inside and go talk to the staff sitting right in front of the door. She will pass you a list of documents that you will need for the booking, and you will need all of them ready before proceeding to the next step. 

For more about these documents will be explained in the next section.

The staff will be responsible for all the checkings. But even if all documents are duly filed, You will still NOT be able to pick a date for your marriage. You will be told that the validation procedures will take place for at least 6 weeks, before having a solid date you will have to wait until they inform you via email or phone.

So if you are just holding a tourist visa which allows you to stay in Thailand for only up to 30 days, you will have extremely little chance of getting a respond before your visa expired.

Extend your tourist visa by reading this article, or get an official job and working visa in Thailand if you think you are luck enough.

Types of documents needed for registering a marriage for 2 foreigners in Thailand

For most nationalities, you will be required to submit:

1. Single marital status officially issued by your Embassy

Make an appointment with your embassy to arrange for a declaration of your single marital status. It shall include your full name, your parents’ names, your signature as well as thee endorsement of your embassy.

Thailand requires additional declaration of that single marital certificate. But if your Embassy refuses or states clearly on its website that it provides no such service, you may show that webpage to the Amphur and it shall be fine.

Get it translated into Thai and certified by a sworn translator, then take everything to the MFA to get certified again.

2. Statutory Declaration

It is a statement writing clearly all your personal background including your occupation, corresponding address, parents’ names and occupation, and anything about you that you think might let the Thai government understand more about you.

To be frank, for most cases it is just a formality that allows the Thai government to charge you 1 more thing, and there is no solid rules regulating the format and content of how the declaration is written, so you are advised to ask your Embassy for a template.

For the US and some European citizens, statutory declaration is not a must.

After writing so, you will need to get it 1) translated into Thai, 2) certified by your Ambassador, and certified by the MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand).

3. Book for a Date

After getting all the documents ready, take it back to the Amphur and submit.

So in short, whatever your documents are, as long as they are not in Thai, you will need them:

1. Translated into Thai
2. Get certified by a sworn translator
3. Get it certified by the MFA.

There are 2 places for you to submit documents to the MFA. One of them is the headquarter which is located in the northern part of Bangkok, where the other one is inside the Khlong Toei BTS station. Just get to the station and you will find it which is quite obvious on the second floor.

You will also meet a lot of freelance translators or unlicensed agencies there in the Khlong Toei branch, whom claim to provide all the services you need for your submission. However, many of them do not have the qualifications to do all the steps for you, and some of them even do not speak English. They usually require upfront payment that you would have to bear the risk of taking away your documents and never finding them again.

Besides, there are less staff working at the Khlong Toei branch that you will have to wait a longer queue. As the branch is not intentionally established to serve foreign marriages, some latest policies may not be reflected and the staff may not be very clear of them as well, hence you are always advised to go for the headquarter, though it is a bit far from the city centre. 

Why hiring a professional agency / translation company to manage the whole marriage thing is a wise choice?

In Thailand, we are always advised to pay for a service if there is involvement of government procedures. Because rules are not transparent, lot of hidden fees and formalities, and the most importantly, you will need an internal connections to work that fast for you.

If you do all the things by yourself, you will lose time as well as challenged by the officials, and result may not be guaranteed. But if you pay for it, it will take around 1 week for getting all the documents ready,  and even be able to get married on the same day you submitting them.

There are plenty types of companies that help foreigners get married in Thailand:

1. Translation company in Thailand

To translate your single marital status and statutory declarations or any other supporting documents into Thai, and get them certified.

2. Visa Agencies

To help getting your documents certified by the MFA and submit them to the Amphur on behalf of you.

3. Thai Visa Company with specification services

To extend your Thai Tourist Visa for 1 week, per 2 months or unlimited times if you want to stay in Thailand for no reason. 

Click here if you want to know more about one-stop support for getting married in Thailand.

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