the expat wire · Thailand
A comprehensive 2026 cost-of-living guide shows a single expat can live on 33,500–77,000 baht/month. The MRT Blue Line now charges 17–44 baht per trip (since July 3), while Red and Purple lines retain a 40-baht daily cap extended for another year. The government’s 20-baht flat-fare scheme has been canceled for its second phase.
The Thai baht weakened to 33.0325 per US dollar as rising oil prices and fading peace-deal hopes weighed on regional currencies. A weaker baht means expats' foreign income and savings are worth more in Thai baht, and remittances home cost less, though imports may become more expensive.
The Department of Business Development has implemented strict new rules targeting nominee arrangements. Joint-venture companies with foreign investors must now provide a written explanation and three months of bank statements proving the source of funds for Thai shareholders.
Under new rules, immigration officers can now request birth certificates and parental consent letters for children under 18 departing Thailand. Additionally, beginning October 16, airport security staff will be authorized to open checked baggage without the passenger present if X-rays flag potential hazards.
Starting October 16, 2026, airport security in Thailand will be authorized to open suspicious checked bags without the owner's consent or presence. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand recommends using TSA-approved locks so officers can open bags without damaging them.
Authorities arrested 13 foreign nationals in a Hua Hin operation targeting nominee property arrangements. Arrest warrants were issued for 45 foreigners and summonses for 39 Thais; those detained include British, Chinese, and other nationals, with properties worth 10-20 million baht each.
Starting August 1, 2026, Thailand will require three-month bank statements from Thai shareholders to register or amend companies with foreign minority partners or foreign signing directors. The measure, published in the Royal Gazette, is designed to crack down on illegal Thai nominee setups.
Thailand's cabinet has approved a major restructure of its tourist visa exemption scheme, reducing the visa-free period to 30 days and limiting the list to 59 countries. The new rules also equalize visa privileges for all 27 EU member states and increase privileges for select nations including India.
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