Guides & Tips for Thailand

Practical articles and comprehensive guides for your administrative procedures in Thailand.

Welcome to the Siam Visa Services blog. We publish practical guides for French-speakers travelling to, settling in, or already living in Thailand — each based on official sources and first-hand experience, with a last-verified date. You’ll find our reference guides on the O-A retirement visa and the O-X visa, the DTV visa for remote workers, the France-Thailand tax treaty and the cost of living in Thailand, as well as driving licences, banking, insurance and inheritance. Browse all our articles below.

Visa5 min

End of Thailand's 60-Day Visa Exemption: What Changes in 2026

Thailand is scrapping the 60-day visa exemption (back to 30 days). What changes for travellers, the real timeline, and suitable long-stay visas.

June 8, 2026Read article →

immobilier9 min

Freehold vs Leasehold in Thailand: Which Should You Choose?

Freehold or leasehold? Complete comparison of both property ownership forms for foreigners in Thailand.

January 19, 2026Read article →

Pensions11 min

Certificate of Life in Thailand: Practical Guide for French Retirees

French retirees in Thailand must submit an annual certificate of life to continue receiving their pension. Here is where to get it signed, how to use the new mo...

January 12, 2026Read article →

License13 min

International Driving Permit vs Thai License: Which One Do You Need?

IDP vs Thai driving license: validity, limitations, insurance implications, and when you should convert. A practical comparison for expats and travelers.

January 5, 2026Read article →

vie-pratique16 min

Where to Live in Thailand as an Expat: City Comparison Guide

A comprehensive comparison of Thailand's top cities for expats: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Isan. Cost of living, healthcare, climate, li...

December 29, 2025Read article →

vie-pratique13 min

Best Time to Visit Thailand: Climate, Seasons, and Weather by Region

A detailed guide to Thailand's three seasons, regional climate differences, and the best time to visit based on whether you're an expat, retiree, or digital nom...

December 22, 2025Read article →

immobilier11 min

Buying a Condo in Thailand: Complete Freehold Guide for Foreigners

How to buy a condominium in full ownership in Thailand? 49% quota, fund transfer, fees, pitfalls to avoid: everything a foreigner needs to know.

December 15, 2025Read article →

Pensions8 min

Survivor Pension for a Thai Spouse: Conditions and Procedures 2026

When a French retiree passes away in Thailand, their Thai spouse may be entitled to a survivor pension. Learn about eligibility, required documents, and how to ...

December 8, 2025Read article →

banque17 min

Cost of Living in Thailand 2026: Detailed Budget by City and Profile

How much does it cost to live in Thailand in 2026? Detailed budgets by city (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Isan) and by profile (retiree, couple, digital nomad, ...

December 1, 2025Read article →

banque14 min

Opening a Bank Account in Thailand: Complete Guide for Foreigners

How to open a bank account in Thailand as a foreigner: best banks compared, required documents, tourist visa options, mobile banking apps, and the 800,000 THB d...

November 24, 2025Read article →

fiscalite9 min

Thailand TIN: How to Get Your Tax ID and File Your Return

A Thai Tax Identification Number (TIN) is required to file taxes in Thailand. Here is how to obtain one, which documents you need, how to file your annual retur...

November 17, 2025Read article →

fiscalite12 min

France-Thailand Tax Treaty: Article-by-Article Guide

The 1974 France-Thailand Double Tax Agreement determines which country taxes your income. This article-by-article breakdown covers pensions, dividends, interest...

November 10, 2025Read article →

fiscalite13 min

Thailand Tax Rules 2024: New Law on Foreign Income for Expats

Since January 1, 2024, Thailand taxes all foreign income remitted in the same calendar year. Here is what changed, who is affected, and how to optimize your sit...

November 3, 2025Read article →

Inheritance8 min

Inheritance of a French National Deceased in Thailand: Complete Guide

What happens when a French citizen passes away in Thailand? From intestate succession to dual wills, inheritance taxes, and property transfer rules, this guide ...

October 27, 2025Read article →

Visa20 min

Thailand O-A Retirement Visa 2026: Requirements, Documents, and Complete Guide

The definitive guide to the Thailand O-A retirement visa: financial requirements, mandatory insurance, document checklist, application process, renewal, re-entr...

October 20, 2025Read article →

Insurance9 min

CFE or First-Euro Insurance in Thailand: How to Choose?

French Social Security does not cover you in Thailand. Discover the differences between the CFE and first-euro insurance, mandatory visa requirements, and how t...

October 13, 2025Read article →

Insurance13 min

Credit Card Travel Insurance in Thailand: Coverage, Limits, and Pitfalls

Does your Visa Premier or Mastercard Gold really cover you in Thailand? Discover the coverage limits, critical exclusions, the 90-day trap, and how credit card ...

October 6, 2025Read article →

Insurance14 min

Scooter and Motorcycle Insurance in Thailand: Complete Guide

Compulsory insurance, voluntary coverage tiers, top insurers, license requirements, and rental checklists. Everything you need to know about insuring a scooter ...

September 29, 2025Read article →

License17 min

Road Accident in Thailand: Emergency Guide for Foreigners

Step-by-step emergency guide for foreigners involved in a road accident in Thailand: emergency numbers, what to do, what never to do, insurance, and legal proce...

September 22, 2025Read article →

License15 min

Helmet Laws in Thailand: Fines, Insurance, and What You Must Know

Thailand's helmet law explained: fines, insurance consequences, road death statistics, and how to choose a proper helmet. Essential reading for riders.

September 15, 2025Read article →

License14 min

Motorcycle License in Thailand: Complete Guide for Foreigners

Everything about motorcycle license categories in Thailand, the car license trap, converting your foreign license, and scooter rental risks.

September 8, 2025Read article →

License13 min

Thai Driving License: Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about getting your Thai driving license: documents, exams, DLT procedures and practical tips for expats.

September 1, 2025Read article →

Visa10 min

Thailand O-X Visa 2026: The 5-Year Retirement Visa (10 Years with Renewal)

Complete guide to the Thailand O-X long-stay visa: 5 years of residency renewable to 10, eligibility for 14 nationalities, 3 million THB financial requirement, ...

August 25, 2025Read article →

Visa10 min

DTV: Thailand's New Digital Nomad Visa

Everything you need to know about the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): the visa designed for remote workers and digital nomads wanting to live in Thailand.

August 18, 2025Read article →

Visa10 min

How to Get a Retirement Visa in Thailand in 2026

Complete guide to obtaining your retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O-A) in Thailand: requirements, documents, procedures and practical tips for those over 50.

August 11, 2025Read article →