THAILAND 101 GUIDELINE
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Table of contents Your first step to Thailand • Landing date: To-do list • Post-Arrival Procedure
Emergency guide • Recommended Hospital list • How to claim Travel insurance
Settling in Thailand • Housing & area recommendation • Public Transportation • Internet, Cellular Network & Sim Card • Banks and Credit Cards
Survival Skills You’ll Need in Thailand • Supermarket chains • Recommended Tourist destinations
General FAQ • Local Emergency & Agoda Internal Contact Points • Norms & Nanny Search • Exchange, Transfer & Dependent’s bank account • Scam Alert Internal
Landing Date: To-do list After your arrival in Thailand, Thai visa team will request a scanned file of Thai visa (after crossed or stamp “used” by immigration officer upon arrival) & arrival stamp (& dependent’s, if any) for long-term visa and employee’s work permit applications.
The scanned file must be scanned via professional scanner (no mobile scanned), shows left & right pages of passport. If you have received eVisa (A4 format via email), share scanned copy of arrival stamp only as there’s no visa sticker in your passport.
After you have submitted your visa and arrival stamp to Thai visa team, we will continue to apply your long-term visa and employee’s work permit as for the next step. The Thai authority will consider your application, and the processing time is around 2 weeks.
After you have submitted your visa and arrival stamp to Thai visa team, we will continue to apply your long-term visa and employee’s work permit as for the next step. The Thai authority will consider your application, and the processing time is around 2 weeks.
Arrival stamp
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Visa from TH embassy
Post Arrival Procedure Within 2 weeks after your arrival in Thailand, Thai visa team will make an appointment for you to visit the immigration to process :work permit., visa and re-entry permit and 90 days report
Work Permit Work permit in Thailand comes in digital form on an application. Easily access from your phone. However, to open the bank account in Thailand, the printed-out version of your work permit is required.
Long Term Visa The visa allows you to stay in Thailand until the date assigned. The expiration date varies by position, with the maximum being 4 years for non-CEG agent roles, 1 year for CEG agent employees
Re-entry Permit The re-entry permit is required to maintain your visa when you travel out of Thailand. It allows you to freely travel in and out of Thailand as many times as you want for the duration of the permit without your visa being revoked.
90 Days Report Thailand Immigration Bureau requires all non-immigrant visa holders to report their current address every 90 days period of stay in Thailand. This also applies to your dependents if they hold non-immigrant visas.
You must not travel internationally until the long-term visa and work permit are issued. Still have questions? Please contact Thailand.visas@agoda.com Internal
Recommended Hospitals List Upon arrival, if you need to visit due to illness or any unforeseen circumstances before start date, you may refer to the hospitals list here. You could use the travel insurance purchased by Onboarding Team. If any assistance needed, contact your Onboarding Point of Contact/Case owner.
After you start date, please check the partner hospitals list with your selected medical insurance plan for more hospitals option.
BTS (Sky train) Vimut Hospital
MRT (Underground train) Private Hospital Saphan Khwai
Premium Hospital ital
Phyathai 2 Hospital
Sanam Pao
Praram 9 Hospital
Phyathai 1 Hospital Phra Ram 9
Piyavate Hospital
Phaya Thai
Agoda Phloen Chit
Samitivej Hospital
Sala Daeng Phrom Phong
Silom
Sukumvit Hospital
Bangkok Christian Hospital Khlong Toei
BNH Hospital
MedPark Hospital
Phra Khanong
Important: Treatment deposit or cost from the premium hospitals list may exceed the limit of coverage. Please expect higher cost when visiting these hospitals. Excess amount from the insurance coverage is at employee’s own expense. Internal
Travel Insurance Claim Process (Purchased by Agoda Onboarding team) For travel insurance (LUMA insurance) that was purchased by Agoda Onboarding team. Please follow below steps when you need to visit a hospital.
LUMA Insurance For any inpatient case, show the insurance e-certificate (which you received from insurance company directly via email) to the hospital and call to +66 24 94 3600 to pre-authorize the treatment. There are no hospital restrictions for LUMA insurance.
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For outpatient cases, every claims below 1,000 USD would be on pay and claim basis. Please have the attached claims form completed, and send it together with passport copy, boarding pass, doctor’s certificate and receipt to claims@pacificprime.co.th for reimbursement. In case treatment is more than 1000 USD, please call emergency line to pre-authorize the treatment.
Housing From serviced apartments, rental condominiums to townhouses, you can find a variety of long-term accommodations in Bangkok.
Think about it before signing the lease! • • • • •
What is your budget? What is your preferred size for accommodation? Which location/area do you prefer? What's your ideal environment? What your preferred method of transportation?
Visit this guide to prepare for your upcoming stay in your new accommodation! Explore the surrounding areas of Bangkok, specifically those close to railways, neighborhoods, and rental price ranges, to help you decide on the most suitable location for your needs.
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Housing Area Recommendation
agoda
Zone
Area
Studio/1 BR
2BR-3BR • • • • •
Agoda Office Siam area[Centre, Square, Discover, MBK BACC] Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park Lumphini Park The Royal Bangkok Sports Club
45,000200,000++
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Central Embassy Korean Town Sukhumit Plaza Terminal 21 Asoke Banjakitti Park BSB International Primary school NIST International School Australian International School Bangkok
50,000150,000++
• • • • •
Samyan Mitrtown Chao Phraya river area: IconSiam, Asiatique St. Andrews International School Sathorn Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Christ Church Bangkok
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EmQuartier & Emporium K Village & Big C Rama IV Donki Mall Thonglo theCOMMONS + Social areas American School of Bangkok (ASB) Annabel's Early Years International Kindergarten Bright Skies International School MASJID ZHOHIRUL ISLAM (THONG LO)
CTW, Siam +1 station 12,00080,000++
BTS:Ploen Chit, Nana, Asoke
Studio : 20,000 45,000++ 1 BR : 25,00060,000++
Saladaeng – Phonimit
Phrom PhongThonglor
15,00070,000++
Studio : 8,000 – 45,000++ 1 BR : 28,000 – 50,000++
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Nearby area
20,000130,000++
38,000220,000++
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Housing Area Recommendation
agoda
Zone
Area Ratchadhewi-Saphan Kwai
MRT: Phra Ram 9, Thailand Cultural Centre, Huai Kwang, Suthisan, Ratchaphisek
Studio/1 BR
2BR-3BR
10,00050,000++
20,00030,000++
8,000-20,000++
RBIS International School La Villa Ari Masjid Darul-Aman
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Central Rama 9, The Street Ratchada Regent's International School Bangkok SISB Pracha Uthit MRTA Health Park The Mall Thaphra Bangkae/Bangwa and Ratchapreuk Assumption Cathedral Holy Rosary Church Haroon Mosque
9,000-30,000++
15,000-50,000++
• • • • •
8,000-20,000++
16,000-40,000++
• • •
Chatuchak Market PLAYGROUND Chatuchak Flea Market Chatuchak Flower Market (Tue-Thu)
•
St Andrews International School Bangkok, Primary School Bangkok Prep International School Wells International School Lotus Sukhumvit 50
BTS: Phra KhanongOnnuch 14,000-45,000++ Internal
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13,000-30,000++
BTS Phonimit – Bangwa
BTS: Saphan Khwai, Mochit
Nearby area
25,000150,000++
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Public Transportation Local services
BTS / MRT
Taxi
Boat
Motorbike Taxi
(Sky Train/ Metro)
Songthaew
Bus
*Please prepare cash for some public transportation
Domestic Travel
Plane
Ride-share services
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Van
Bus
Sim card / Internet (Wi-Fi) The most popular service providers are AIS, True, and DTAC. They offer a variety of mobile phone and internet package plans. Click on the logos to visit their official website for more information:
Pre-paid: Temporary Thai ‘tourism sim card are available for purchase in the provider’s website or 7-11 Convenient store. Post-paid: Sim-card registration with service provider with monthly issuance of invoice; fees are based on amount of selected plan depending on your lifestyle. Passport & work permit to register are required.
Note: Ask about special promotions or bundle packages. Some providers may be offering discounted rates for cellular data, texts, and/or calls.
AIS, True, Dtac, also provide home internet including 3BB.
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Banks and Credit cards Banks in Thailand are governed by the country’s central bank which is the Bank of Thailand. These five banks are the most popular banks
1) Thai Baht Saving account (Highly recommended) Daily-use account; provide debit card and (electronic) book bank for ATMs.
Types of Bank Account
2) Current Account Similar to Saving account but cheque book will be issued instead of book bank. 3) Foreign Currency Deposit Account For receiving non-THB currency.
Requirements
• • •
Original Passport with a copy Copy of Digital Work Permit Thai address & Phone Number
ATM Card:: ATM card can be used with any bank ATMs but cost additional 10-20 baht fee if using outside of BKK. Cash withdrawal without ATM card is available for some banks.
Requirements (This may vary depending on the bank you choose)
Credit Card
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Passport & work permit At least 50K THB monthly income At least 6 months bank statements
Supermarket Chains Bangkok has lots of different supermarkets, with each being slightly different in what they offer. Some cater to a more local market, while others have their focus more on the expat community. Check out these top Bangkok supermarkets.
Reasonable Price
Tops Market
Tesco Lotus
Western food, imported goods
Villa Market
Big C
Wholesale / stocking up
Gourmet Market
Available for Gluten-Free products Click here for Gluten-Free Thailand guide
Available for Vegan products Click here to more places to buy Plant-based Groceries
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Recommended Tourist Destinations You may have already heard about Phuket, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai, but there are many other interesting places that you can book for your vacation. Add this to your travel bucket list if you haven’t!
Historic City of Ayutthaya - The Historic City of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom. Its remains, characterized by the prang (reliquary towers) and gigantic monasteries, give an idea of its past splendor. Here in Ayutthaya , you will find many historical sites, good restaurants and many cafes to hopping for both 1-day trip or overnight trip!
The ‘Floating Train’: Pasak Chonlasit Dam, Lopburi Trips to Pasak Chonlasit Dam are usually arranged in the cool season months from November to January. Amongst these is the trip from Bangkok to Pasak Chonlasit Dam in Lopburi province. Surrounded on both sides by water, it is this section of track across viaducts on the dam which has earned this journey the nickname of the ‘floating train’. Koh Li Peh - is a small L-shaped island located in the southern Thailand’s Sa-tun Province near the Thailand/Malaysia border. Sunset Beach (west), Sunrise Beach (east), and Pattaya Beach (south) are the three main beaches of Koh Lipe. The island and its surroundings are quite famous for snorkeling and scuba diving; its coral reefs are easy to spot as they inhabit the underwater area just a few meters away from each of the four main island’s beaches.
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White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) The massive all-white complex, covered in glass tiles, is one of the most unique temples in Northern Thailand. Black House (Baan Dam) - Another unique complex in Chiang Rai created by Chiang Rai-born artist for all to learn about the historical Thai northern culture.
• Chaiyaphum - Phu Laen Kha national park or Hin Rong Kla viewpoint, a wide large rock terrace with many cracked rocks featuring a rock cliff with an altitude of 700-800 meters above sea level. • Mae Hong Son- Pang Ung – Located in Northern Thailand which has been described as the most romantic destination in Thailand, is an area of untouched beauty hidden away in the mountains of Mae Hon Son province
• Kanchanaburi - Only 2 hours ride from Bangkok; Kanchanaburi has many types of site seeing. You can explore from Safari Park, Thailand–Burma Railway Centre, Paper Mill historic landmark, significant temples, Mallika R.E 124, Caves, until waterfalls
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GENERAL FAQ Local Emergency Numbers What are the emergency numbers and contact information for services like police, medical, and fire?
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Police: 191 Medical Emergency Services: 1669 Ambulance and Rescue: 1554 Fire: 199
Contact Point in Agoda Thailand What is the contact email of each Agoda internal team?
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Onboarding: onboarding@agoda.com IT-related issues: it-support@agoda.com Payroll & Tax: thailand.payroll@agoda.com Reimbursements: reimbursements@agoda.com Visa & Work Permit: thailand.visas@agoda.com Request Certification of Employment: data-management@agoda.com Benefits/Provident fund/Health insurance: benefits@agoda.com
Park and Fitness Center Is there any park near the Central World office? There are some green spaces and parks nearby. Here are a few options: • Lumpini Park/ Benjakitti Park/ Benjasiri Park/Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park
Fitness Center recommendation?
Thailand has a variety of gyms and fitness centers catering to different preferences and needs. Here are some recommended gym chains and fitness centers: Fitness First, Virgin Active, Absolute You, Jetts 24-hour Fitness Internal
Norms & Etiquettes What are some cultural norms and etiquette I should be aware of?
• Don't Disrespect the Monarchy: Avoid criticism or disrespectful discussions about the Thai royal family in public areas due to strict lese-majeste laws. • Dress Modestly: Cover your shoulders, arms, and knees, and remove shoes at temples and religious sites. • Remove Shoes Indoors: Always take off your shoes when entering someone’s house • Avoid Engaging in Heated Political Discussions: Political discussions can be sensitive in Thailand. Avoid engaging in heated debates or criticizing politically sensitive topics. • Don't Disrupt Religious Ceremonies: If you're visiting a temple during a religious ceremony, maintain a respectful and observant behavior. • Public Displays of Affection: Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, are generally not common in Thai culture. Reserve these behaviors for private settings.
Nanny Search Where can I find a nanny in Thailand? You can find nannies in Thailand through various channels, including personal referrals, nanny agencies, online job portals, and local community groups. Word-of-mouth recommendations from other expat families can be particularly helpful. Please visit this article for more information.
What is the typical salary for a nanny in Thailand? Nanny salaries in Thailand can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and responsibilities. On average, nannies may earn between 15,000 to 25,000 Thai Baht per month. Negotiate salary and benefits based on your specific needs and the nanny's qualifications. Note: Remember that hiring a nanny is a significant decision, and thorough research and due diligence are crucial to finding the right fit for your family. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of your child(ren) when making this important choice.
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Exchange and Transfer Where can I exchange my currency for Thai Baht?
You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange kiosks, currency exchange booths at airports, and some hotels. The famous currency exchange chain in Thailand is SuperRich1965 and Superrich Thailand
What information do I need to provide for an international money transfer to Thailand? You typically need the recipient's full name, bank account number, the name and location of the recipient's bank, and the SWIFT/BIC code of the bank.
Are there any online money transfer services popular in Thailand? Yes, online services like Wise, PayPal, and Western Union are widely used for money transfers in Thailand.
Dependent’s Bank Account How can I open a Thai bank account for my dependent? To open a bank account for your dependent, you must personally accompany them to the bank and provide the following documents: an original passport and a copy of your dependent’s passport and visa page.
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SCAM ALERT What are the common types of scams in Thailand?
Common scams in Thailand include call center scams, tuk-tuk scams, and fake tour agencies. Additionally, there are variations of these scams that all should be aware of. They use various tactics to deceive victims into providing personal and financial information or sending money. What are some red flags to watch out for in call center scams?
Red flags include unsolicited calls from government agencies or banks, threats of legal action or arrest, requests for personal information or money transfers, and pressure to act quickly without time for verification. What should I do if I receive a suspicious call in Thailand?
If you receive any suspicious or unidentified calls, do not provide any personal or financial information. Hang up immediately. If the caller claims to be from a government agency or bank, look up the official contact information for that organization and call them directly to verify the call.
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