Tommy is a French traveller who has been exploring Southeast Asia since 2019. Thailand is the country he knows best and keeps coming back to. After dealing with hospitals, insurance paperwork, and visa requirements firsthand and watching other travellers struggle with the same things, Tommy put together Insurance Thailand as a practical guide for anyone heading to Thailand.
About Tommy
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: France
Q: What country and city did you move to?
A: I split my time between Thailand and Vietnam mostly, but I travel around Southeast Asia regularly. Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City are my main bases.
Q: When did you move?
A: I first came to Southeast Asia in 2019 and have been moving around the region since.
Q: Is this your first expat experience?
A: No, I lived in a few European countries before settling in Southeast Asia.
Q: Did you move here alone or with a spouse/partner or family?
A: Alone
Q: Reason for moving?
A: I’ve always loved travelling and wanted more freedom in my daily life. Southeast Asia offered that, the culture, the food, the people, and a pace of life that suits me. Thailand keeps pulling me back, which is why I know the country so well.
Living in Thailand
Q: What do you enjoy most about Bangkok and Thailand in general?
A: The food, honestly. I never get tired of it. And the fact that life is just easier in many ways. Things are affordable, people are friendly, and there’s always something going on. Bangkok can be chaotic, but I like that about it.
Q: Have you had any low points? What do you miss most about France?
A: I miss proper cheese and bread; you can find some here, but it’s not the same or very expensive. And being able to see a doctor without worrying about the bill, that part of France I definitely took for granted. Also, just small things like being able to read everything around you. Even after years here, not speaking Thai can make some daily tasks feel harder than they should be.
Q: What misconceptions about Thailand, if any, have you learned were not true?
A: That it’s just a backpacker destination. It’s so much more than that. There’s also the misconception that healthcare is super cheap; private hospitals are great, but they’re not cheap at all. I’ve seen people get hit with $5,000+ bills they weren’t expecting.
Q: What are the biggest adjustments you had to make when settling into expat life in Thailand? Did you experience culture shock at all?
A: Patience. Everything takes longer than you think. Also, learning to deal with the healthcare system on my own, no one holds your hand; you need to figure out insurance, hospitals, and payments yourself.
Q: What are your favourite things to do on the weekend? Any particular places or experiences you’d recommend to fellow expats?
A: Street food, motorbike rides, exploring new areas. Nothing fancy. If I’m in Chiang Mai, I usually head to the mountains. In Bangkok, it’s more about finding a good spot to eat.
Q: What’s the cost of living in Thailand compared to France? Are there specific things that are especially expensive or cheap there?
A: Way cheaper for food and rent. A good meal is $2 to $3, a nice apartment maybe $500/month. But healthcare can surprise you if you’re not prepared. One ER visit without insurance and your ‘cheap Thailand trip’ isn’t so cheap anymore.
Q: What’s public transport like in Bangkok and across Thailand?
A: BTS and MRT in Bangkok are great. Grab works everywhere. Outside Bangkok, you’ll want a scooter; just make sure you have insurance for it because accidents happen a lot here.
Q: What do you think of the healthcare available in Bangkok? What should expats expect from local doctors and hospitals?
A: Honestly, the quality is impressive. Private hospitals here are on par with Europe, sometimes better. But they charge accordingly. An ER visit easily runs $200+; a serious accident can be $20,000+. My biggest piece of advice: sort out health insurance before you come. I’ve seen too many people learn this the hard way.
Q: What’s the standard of housing like in Bangkok? What different options are available?
A: Condos everywhere, most are modern with pools and gyms. You can find something decent for $300–$400/month. Start with a short-term rental until you know which area you like.
Q: Are there any areas or suburbs you’d recommend for expats to live in?
A: Bangkok: Ari or On Nut for good value. Thonglor, if you want to go out. Chiang Mai: Nimman area is popular for a reason, but the old city has more soul.
Meeting people and making friends in Thailand
Q: Was meeting people and making friends in Bangkok easy? How did you go about meeting new people?
A: Pretty easy, actually. Coworking spaces, cafés, and just being a regular at the same places helps a lot. In Chiang Mai, especially, the community is small enough that you keep running into the same people. Bangkok is bigger, so it takes a bit more effort, but there are plenty of meetups and events if you look for them.
Q: Have you made friends with locals, or do you mix mainly with other expats? What advice would you give to new expats looking to make friends with the locals?
A: A bit of both. Most of my close friends here are other expats or travellers, just because of the language barrier. But I’ve met some great Thai people too, usually through shared activities or friends of friends. Learning even a few words of Thai goes a long way; people really appreciate the effort, and it opens doors.
Working in Bangkok, Thailand
Q: How easy or difficult was getting a work permit or visa? Did you tackle the visa process yourself, or did you enlist the services of an immigration consultant?
A: I applied for a DTV last year. A few documents to prepare, but the process was fairly smooth. I’d say the main challenge is just understanding which visa option fits your situation. Thailand has quite a few, and the requirements are different for each one.
Q: What is the economic climate in Bangkok like?
A: Bangkok feels busy and growing. Lots of new restaurants, malls, and construction everywhere. Tourism is fully back. Prices have gone up a bit, but it’s still very affordable compared to Europe.
Q: How does the work culture in Bangkok differ from that in France?
A: Everything is more relaxed. Things take longer, relationships matter more than deadlines. If you’re used to European efficiency, it can be frustrating at first, but you get used to it.
Final thoughts
Q: Any advice you’d like to offer to new arrivals in Bangkok?
A: Sort out your insurance before you get here. Seriously. That’s the one thing I hear people regret not doing. Thai hospitals are great, but they’re not free, and a scooter accident or a case of bad food poisoning can get expensive fast. Other than that, don’t plan too much, take your time to find the right area, eat everything, and learn to say ‘Khop khun khrap’ (Thank you).
►Interviewed in April 2026